Description
High Protein Chicken Orzo is a hearty, one-pot meal combining tender chicken breast, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. It’s quick, nutritious, and comforting—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 cup orzo pasta
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add cubed chicken breast, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Stir in diced onion and minced garlic; cook for 3–4 minutes until onion is translucent.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in orzo pasta.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
- Mix in chopped spinach and cherry tomatoes; cook for another 3–5 minutes until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then remove from heat.
- Let sit for 1–2 minutes before serving. Top with grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Substitute whole grain orzo for added fiber.
For a creamy twist, add Greek yogurt or cream before serving.
Try a Mediterranean version with olives, feta, and artichokes.
For spice, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Swap chicken for chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 85mg