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Garlic Chicken with Orzo Noodles

This is a simple recipe with a spicy kick for garlic lovers. It is my combination of a much loved linguine and clam sauce dish and a recent introduction to orzo pasta. I have several variations for this recipe. Add more red pepper for extra spice. Substitute the chicken for clams or shrimp. Substitute the spinach leaves for diced tomatoes. I've also added spices such as basil, rosemary and oregano bringing a distinct Italian flavor to the dish.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine asian
Servings 4 people
Calories 1306.6 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot For cooking orzo pasta
  • 1 Colander For draining cooked orzo
  • 1 Large Skillet For sautéing chicken and aromatics
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula For stirring and combining ingredients
  • 1 Chef's Knife and Cutting Board For preparing chicken, garlic, and parsley

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 2 skinless boneless chicken breast halves - cut into bite-size pieces
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
  • Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the garlic and red pepper 1 minute, until garlic is golden brown. Stir in chicken, season with salt, and cook 2 to 5 minutes, until lightly browned and juices run clear. Reduce heat to medium, and mix in the parsley and cooked orzo. Place spinach in the skillet. Continue cooking 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spinach is wilted. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese. flip41

Notes

Achieve perfectly al dente orzo by monitoring cooking time closely; overcooked pasta becomes mushy. When sautéing garlic and red pepper, cook just until fragrant and golden to prevent bitterness. Ensure chicken pieces are uniform for even cooking and avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness. For enhanced flavor, consider deglazing the skillet with a splash of white wine or chicken broth after cooking the chicken. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the dish. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a significant difference in taste and texture. This versatile dish can be elevated with fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or a hint of acidity.