Description
A delicious and hearty baked orzo recipe featuring chicken, spinach, and tomatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 1 tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup orzo pasta, dry
- 3 cups chicken broth (or chicken stock)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Dry the chicken breasts with a paper towel and use a sharp knife to cut it into cubes about 1 inch in size.
- Add the chicken to the large baking dish and coat it in the olive oil and seasonings. Be sure all the chicken pieces are coated.
- Add the fresh garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. Then add the cherry tomatoes and spinach.
- Top with the dry orzo and chicken broth. Add the Greek yogurt and whisk it into the chicken broth until it’s dissolved. Then stir everything together with a wooden spoon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the orzo is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ (75°C). Bake time will vary.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese when it comes out of the oven and give it a quick taste. Add more salt as needed then let it set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- The sauce will be very liquidy when it first comes out of the oven. This is normal. It’ll thicken as it sets!
- If you want to add a bit more flavor and have time, sear the chicken in a large skillet with the olive oil and seasonings on medium heat to medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until its golden brown before adding it to the baking dish with the other ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg