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Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo

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Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo is a delightful dish that combines tender marinated chicken with vibrant vegetables and fluffy orzo pasta. This quick and easy recipe brings together rich flavors and colorful presentations, making it perfect for family dinners or impressing guests at gatherings. With its simple preparation and versatility, you can adapt the ingredients to suit your palate or what’s available in your pantry.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced thinly
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Dice bell peppers and zucchini while chicken marinates.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and let rest.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté diced veggies for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
  5. Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente; drain and reserve some pasta water.
  6. Combine cooked orzo with sautéed veggies and sliced chicken in the skillet. Add any remaining marinade and toss gently until combined.
  7. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Substitute seasonal vegetables or add feta cheese for a twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on the stove.