One-Pot Italian Chicken and Orzo for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This One-Pot Italian Chicken and Orzo is a quick, delicious weeknight meal that marries simplicity and flavor in 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts can substitute with chicken thighs
to taste kosher salt adjust to your preference
to taste freshly ground black pepper can substitute with white pepper

For the Base

2 tablespoons unsalted butter use olive oil for dairy-free option
1 tablespoon olive oil grapeseed oil can be a neutral substitute
1 red onion can use yellow or white onions
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning increase to taste
3 cloves garlic fresh garlic is best

For the Sauce

1 cup cherry tomatoes substitute with grape or sun-dried tomatoes
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour omit for gluten-free
4 cups chicken broth vegetable broth for vegetarian option

For the Carbohydrate

1 cup orzo pasta can swap with small pasta shapes or quinoa

For Garnishing

1/4 cup fresh basil can use parsley or spinach
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese substitute with nutritional yeast for dairy-free

Equipment

large skillet or Dutch oven

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Melt butter and oil in a skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove chicken and set aside.
Sauté diced onion for about 3 minutes until softened.
Stir in Italian seasoning and minced garlic, cook for an additional minute.
Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
Sprinkle in flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Stir in uncooked orzo, lower heat, cover, and simmer for 7-9 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken, stir in basil and parmesan cheese, allow to sit for a minute to meld flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Feel free to add seasonal vegetables for extra nutrition.

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