Description
Monterey Chicken Orzo combines tender chicken and creamy orzo pasta for a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Optionally marinate chicken in olive oil and herbs for added flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook seasoned chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add uncooked orzo, chicken broth, and heavy cream; stir to combine.
- Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes until orzo is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and fold in spinach until wilted.
- Serve garnished with extra cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, incorporate vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.