Description
Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo is a vibrant, one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, al dente orzo pasta, and colorful vegetables, all enhanced with a zesty lemon flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at special occasions, this simple yet flavorful meal captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. With easy preparation steps and customizable ingredients, it’s a delightful choice for any gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop bell peppers and halve cherry tomatoes; rinse spinach.
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Add orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Stir in garlic, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes; sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Add cooked orzo back to the skillet along with spinach and lemon juice. Toss gently until combined and spinach wilts slightly.
- Plate immediately while hot; garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg