Description
Balsamic Chicken Orzo is a delightful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a sumptuous meal bursting with flavor. Tender chicken breasts coated in a tangy balsamic glaze pair perfectly with al dente orzo pasta, fresh cherry tomatoes, and vibrant spinach. This one-pan wonder is not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its rich aroma and mouthwatering taste, it’s sure to become a family favorite that you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup high-quality balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Mince the garlic and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Sear chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, sear until golden brown for about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Add garlic and tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic until fragrant (30 seconds), then add halved cherry tomatoes.
- Pour balsamic vinegar: Drizzle over the chicken and tomatoes; simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Cook orzo separately: Boil salted water in another pot, cook orzo according to package instructions (8-10 minutes).
- Combine: Drain orzo and fold it into the skillet with spinach until wilted (about 1 minute). Garnish with Parmesan before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 375g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 80mg