High Protein Chicken Orzo: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Why make this recipe

High Protein Chicken Orzo is not just a delicious meal; it’s a nutritious one too! With protein-rich chicken and wholesome orzo pasta, it’s perfect for anyone looking to fuel their body with good ingredients. Additionally, it’s a one-pot dish, which means fewer dishes to wash after cooking. This recipe is quick, easy to make, and great for busy weeknights or meal prep.

How to make High Protein Chicken Orzo

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)

Directions:

Creating High Protein Chicken Orzo can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Heat Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Sauté until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Broth and Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the orzo pasta.
5. Simmer: Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer until the orzo is tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Incorporate Spinach and Tomatoes: Add the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Serve: Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This easy-to-follow guide will allow you to create an amazing, wholesome dish effortlessly!

How to serve High Protein Chicken Orzo

Serve the High Protein Chicken Orzo warm, garnished with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy it as a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner!

How to store High Protein Chicken Orzo

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through. You can add a splash of broth or water to help loosen it up while reheating.

Tips to make High Protein Chicken Orzo

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
• Spice it Up: If you like spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamier version, stir in a bit of heavy cream or Greek yogurt just before serving.

Variation

You can easily switch the chicken for other proteins like shrimp or tofu for a different taste. You could also use whole grain or gluten-free orzo if preferred.

FAQs

1. Can I use something other than orzo pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the orzo with another small pasta shape, such as couscous, quinoa, or even rice, though cooking times may vary.

2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep as it keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated easily.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead. You can add more vegetables to keep it filling.

High Protein Chicken Orzo

A nutritious one-pot meal combining protein-rich chicken and wholesome orzo pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main 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

Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated to taste Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Sauté until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the orzo pasta.
5. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer until the orzo is tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.
7. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
8. Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat and add a splash of broth or water.