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Cheesy Chicken Orzo

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A creamy, cheesy dish featuring tender chicken, delightful orzo pasta, and fresh spinach, all simmered together in a savory broth – perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the dish
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to lightly toast it.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, adding the cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir well so the cheese melts and coats the chicken and orzo evenly.
  6. Mix in the Italian seasoning and chopped spinach, then cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat, allowing the dish to thicken slightly for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 850mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3g

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the mixture if it has thickened. For a lighter meal, use low-fat dairy options or a vegetarian broth.
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