Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo
This balsamic chicken and veggie orzo turns busy weeknights into flavorful, balanced meals in under 30 minutes, featuring a delightful blend of tender chicken and vibrant vegetables glazed in a rich balsamic sauce.
Ingredients
For the orzo
- 2 cups orzo pasta Can substitute with pearl couscous.
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces Use thighs for richer flavor, slightly adjust cook time.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking chicken.
- 1 tbsp olive oil Additional for sautéing vegetables.
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar Use high-quality aged balsamic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the flavors.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Can use grape or Roma tomatoes.
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped Add depth of flavor.
- 2 cups fresh spinach Adds freshness.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese Omit for dairy-free or substitute with nutritional yeast.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium high heat, then season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet.
- Add remaining oil to the skillet, then sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, before adding bell pepper and zucchini and cooking until tender.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes before pouring in balsamic vinegar and simmering for 1 to 2 minutes to glaze the vegetables.
- Return chicken and orzo to the skillet, then toss everything to combine and stir in spinach, cooking until wilted.
- Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.
Notes
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the orzo.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 35gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!