Caesar Chicken with Orzo
Indulge in the bold, savory flavors of Caesar Chicken with Orzo, a one-pan masterpiece that comes together in just 45 minutes! This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in creamy Caesar dressing with a zesty orzo pasta infused with garlic, lemon, and Parmesan. The dish is further elevated with vibrant baby spinach and sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes, creating a delightful balance of textures and freshness. Cooked in a single skillet, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a wholesome, crave-worthy dinner that’s as satisfying as it is easy to prepare.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar salad dressing
- 1 cup Orzo pasta
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups Baby spinach
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour 1/2 cup of the Caesar dressing over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for more flavor).
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
Cook the chicken in the skillet for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the cooked orzo, lemon juice, and the remaining 1/2 cup of Caesar dressing. Toss to combine.
Gently mix in the halved cherry tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Transfer the orzo mixture to a serving platter or individual plates. Top with the sliced chicken and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3656 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 213.1 g | 273% | |
| Saturated Fat | 35.3 g | 176% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 632 mg | 211% | |
| Sodium | 6663 mg | 290% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 165.8 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.3 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 267.5 g | 535% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 712 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 18.8 mg | 104% | |
| Potassium | 2638 mg | 56% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
