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High Protein Chicken Orzo

High Protein Chicken Orzo: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

High Protein Chicken Orzo is a quick and nutritious dinner option that combines tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a delicious pasta dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1.5 cups Orzo Pasta or ditalini for a different texture
For the Protein
  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast cubed; diced turkey or firm tofu can be used as alternatives
For the Broth
  • 4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Onion diced; green onions can be a substitute
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced; try garlic powder as a quick flavor hit
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach or kale or Swiss chard if out of spinach
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved; regular tomatoes can be used
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or avocado oil/butter as alternatives
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano or thyme as another option
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil can be substituted with Italian seasoning
For Seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
Optional Finishing Touch
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan version

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

Steps
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let it warm for about 1 minute until it shimmers slightly.
  2. Season 1 pound of cubed boneless, skinless chicken breast with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Add the chicken to the pot and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Add 1 diced medium onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent.
  4. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and stir in 1 ½ cups of orzo pasta. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it gently bubble for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add 2 cups of fresh spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  7. Remove from heat and taste the dish, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Allow the dish to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 35gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This high protein chicken orzo is a delicious and wholesome meal that is sure to become a family favorite!

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