Balsamic Chicken with Veggie Orzo

Why Make This Recipe

Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo is not just a meal; it’s a delightful combination of flavors and health. This dish brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and orzo pasta, all flavored with aromatic balsamic vinegar and Italian seasoning. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing guests at a dinner party. Plus, it’s a one-skillet recipe, making cleanup easy!

How to Make Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo

Ingredients

• 2 cups orzo pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet.
3. Add remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Then, add bell pepper and zucchini and cook until tender.
4. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in balsamic vinegar and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to glaze the vegetables.
5. Return chicken and orzo to the skillet. Toss everything to combine. Stir in spinach, cooking until wilted.
6. Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.

How to Serve Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo

Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo is best served warm. You can plate it in individual bowls or serve it family-style from the skillet. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch. It pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to help it regain its creamy texture.

Tips to Make Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo

• Make sure not to overcook the orzo; it should be al dente for the best texture.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have. Broccoli, asparagus, or carrots would all be great additions.
• For a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and increase the amount of vegetables or add beans for protein. You could also use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the orzo for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use whole grain orzo instead of regular orzo?
Yes, whole grain orzo can be used; just follow the cooking instructions on the package as cooking times may vary.

Can I freeze Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo?
Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container. It’s best consumed within 2-3 months, though.

Can I add more protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add cooked shrimp or even some chickpeas for a hearty option.

Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo

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A delightful combination of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and orzo pasta, all flavored with balsamic vinegar and Italian seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

• Author: lunarecipez
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Poultry

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups orzo pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet.
3. Add remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Then, add bell pepper and zucchini and cook until tender.
4. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in balsamic vinegar and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to glaze the vegetables.
5. Return chicken and orzo to the skillet. Toss everything to combine. Stir in spinach, cooking until wilted.
6. Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth. Customize with other vegetables or protein as desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg