Description

Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo is a delightful, creamy dish that combines tender chicken and flavorful orzo in a single skillet. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests, providing a burst of savory flavors with minimal cleanup. Enjoy the vibrant colors and rich aromas that will make your kitchen feel like home.

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1 cup orzo pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh spinach
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Sauté until golden brown on both sides (about 5 minutes each).
Add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet; sauté until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and stir in orzo pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until orzo absorbs most of the liquid (approximately 10 minutes).
Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and creamy. Add fresh spinach last and let it wilt.
Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 15 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken before cooking or incorporate roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Quinoa can be used as a gluten-free alternative to orzo.