Description

Monterey Chicken Orzo is a creamy and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, flavorful orzo pasta, and vibrant vegetables. This easy recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 1.5 lbs)
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup bell peppers, diced

Instructions

Gather all ingredients on your countertop for an efficient cooking process.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes per side). Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and diced bell peppers; sauté for about 3-4 minutes until tender. Add chopped spinach and stir until wilted.
Stir in uncooked orzo pasta, then pour in chicken broth until just covered. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low; incorporate softened cream cheese into the mixture until melted and combined.
Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet. Mix thoroughly and allow cooking for an additional few minutes to meld flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. To enhance flavors, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices before cooking.