Description
This Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo recipe combines tender marinated chicken breast with sautéed fresh vegetables and orzo pasta cooked in flavorful chicken broth. Finished with grated Parmesan and fresh basil, it offers a wholesome, vibrant meal perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pieces chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
Finishing Touches
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the marinade and let them soak for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove from skillet and slice into strips. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onion, chopped zucchini, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly but remain crisp.
- Cook Orzo: Stir the orzo pasta into the sautéed vegetables, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Add Final Ingredients: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced chicken, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to warm everything through and meld the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end before serving.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of cream or a bit more Parmesan cheese.
- This dish can be prepared with vegetable broth and without chicken to make a vegetarian version.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
