High Protein Creamy Parmesan Orzo
Indulge in the perfect harmony of flavor and nutrition with this High Protein Creamy Parmesan Orzo—a weeknight dinner game changer! This one-pan recipe combines tender, bite-sized chicken breast pieces, nutty toasted orzo, and a velvety Parmesan-infused sauce for a dish that's as satisfying as it is wholesome. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, while a touch of lemon juice brightens every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, this quick and easy meal is packed with protein and plenty of comforting, creamy goodness. Whether you're looking for a no-fuss family dinner or a cozy meal for guests, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup. Perfectly seasoned and customizable with optional red pepper flakes for heat, it’s a deliciously complete meal you'll want to make again and again!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups spinach, fresh
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly golden.
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the fresh spinach, stirring to incorporate.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir until the cheese is melted and the orzo is creamy.
If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2188 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.9 g | 93% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.7 g | 123% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 424 mg | 141% | |
| Sodium | 5453 mg | 237% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 179.1 g | 65% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.1 g | 72% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.0 g | ||
| Protein | 206.6 g | 413% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1369 mg | 105% | |
| Iron | 18.0 mg | 100% | |
| Potassium | 3821 mg | 81% | |
*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.
