Tuscan Chicken Orzo - easy 30 minute meal
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
454 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Tuscan Chicken Orzo - easy 30 minute meal
Description
Tuscan Chicken Orzo - easy 30 minute meal brings together thinly sliced chicken breast coated with Tuscan seasoning, cooked to a golden brown, paired with orzo pasta tossed in sun-dried tomato pesto. The sautéed red and yellow bell peppers and fresh cherry tomatoes add a sweet and slightly tangy element, while the peppery arugula stirred in last imparts a fresh green balance. This recipe highlights the blend of vibrant vegetables and seasoned chicken over tender pasta.
The cooking process focuses on layering the flavors: searing seasoned chicken for a crisp exterior, softening vegetables for sweetness and moisture, then combining everything with pesto-coated orzo. Adding grated Parmesan cheese on top offers an optional salty richness that complements the dish.
Serve this dish as a complete meal for lunch or dinner, balancing protein, vegetables, and grains in a single plate. It works well for a home-cooked weekday meal that requires moderate preparation without complex steps.
Creating your own Tuscan seasoning as indicated in the notes can enrich the flavor with herbs and spices, making the dish more personalized. Using whole wheat orzo is an option for a nuttier taste and additional fiber.
Ingredients
- 2 cups orzo uncooked, plain or whole wheat
- 1 pound chicken breast sliced into thin cutlets
- 2 tablespoons tuscan seasoning (recipe linked below)
- salt
- black pepper
- 1/2 red pepper cut into strips
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper cut into strips
- 12 tomatoes halved, cherry or grape
- 2.5 ounces arugula baby
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato pesto
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan Cheese optional, grated
Instructions
Get prepped
- Cook orzo according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, season your chicken with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with tuscan seasoning.
Cook the chicken and vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the red and yellow peppers, and sautee until softened - about 3 minutes.
- In the last minute, add the cherry tomatoes.
Add the pasta and pesto
- Drain the orzo, add the pesto and stir through.
- Add the cooked vegetables to the orzo, and mix.
Serving
- When ready to serve, add the arugula to the orzo mixture, and divide between plates.
- Slice the chicken breast, and place on top of the orzo.
- Sprinkle with parmesan.
Devour.
Notes
- Prepare Tuscan seasoning ahead following the linked recipe to enhance the chicken's flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 454 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 454kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 63g | 21% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 74mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 233mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 869mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1477IU | 30% |
| Vitamin C | 58mg | 64% |
| Calcium | 119mg | 12% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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