A cozy and bright meal featuring balsamic chicken with silky orzo and fresh spinach.
Author:emma
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:High-Protein
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
1 cup dry orzo
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups baby spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 or 2 ounces crumbled feta
Instructions
Cook orzo in salted water until just tender. Reserve 1 or 2 tablespoons of pasta water and drain.
Whisk balsamic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, Dijon, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss half with chicken and let sit while you heat a skillet.
Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet over medium high. Sear chicken 3 to 4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Add tomatoes to the skillet for 1 minute to soften. Tip in the orzo, spinach, and the rest of the balsamic mix. Stir with a splash of pasta water until glossy.
Taste, season, and top with feta if using.
Notes
Use thin cutlets for faster cooking and reserve pasta water for a saucier dish.