High Protein Chicken Orzo
This High Protein Chicken Orzo is a creamy, one-pot meal packed with lean chicken, orzo pasta, and a flavorful parmesan sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick protein dinner that’s both satisfying and healthy!
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- ½ lemon juiced
- Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup heavy cream for extra creaminess
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Toast the Orzo
- In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the orzo pasta, letting it toast slightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Step 3: Simmer the Orzo
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Add Chicken, Cheese & Spinach
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the parmesan cheese.
- Add the spinach, stirring until wilted.
- Step 5: Finish & Serve
- Remove from heat and squeeze in lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh thyme.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, swap parmesan for nutritional yeast and use coconut milk instead of cream.
- If orzo absorbs too much liquid, add an extra splash of broth or milk before serving.
- This dish is best fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Not recommended for freezing as pasta texture may become mushy.
- For extra protein, add shredded rotisserie chicken or stir in a can of white beans.