Garlic Chicken Orzo
This garlic chicken orzo is a delicious and nutritious meal that combines tender chicken, al dente orzo pasta, and fresh spinach all in one skillet. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the perfect easy garlic chicken recipe for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves cut into bite-size pieces
- to taste Salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic turns golden and fragrant—be careful not to let it burn.
- Stir in the chicken pieces and season with salt. Cook for 2-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and cooked through (juices will run clear).
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the fresh parsley and the drained orzo to the skillet, tossing everything together to fully combine.
- Spread the fresh spinach over the mixture in the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts down and is evenly distributed.
- Serve warm, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
Add more red pepper for extra spice. Substitute the chicken for clams or shrimp. Substitute the spinach leaves for diced tomatoes. I've also added spices such as basil, rosemary, and oregano, bringing a distinct Italian flavor to the dish.