Description

Easy Balsamic Chicken & Veggie Orzo is a quick, wholesome, and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken glazed in tangy balsamic vinegar (natural), sautéed fresh vegetables, and delicate orzo pasta. This vibrant dish balances sweetness and savory flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

2 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (natural)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta

1 cup orzo pasta
Water with salt, for boiling

Vegetables

1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Finishing Touches

Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Plant-based parmesan (plant-based), optional, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare and Marinate the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Add balsamic vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Cook the Orzo Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water. Set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Cook until vegetables are tender but still vibrant, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
Cook the Chicken: Push the sautéed vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, basting with leftover marinade to enhance the glaze and flavor.
Combine Orzo, Chicken, and Vegetables: Add the drained orzo pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to combine all ingredients, coating them with the balsamic glaze and juices. If the mixture appears dry, stir in a spoonful of the reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil and optional plant-based parmesan (plant-based) on top before serving for added flavor and creaminess.

Notes

Marinate chicken up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Use a non-stick skillet for even cooking and to prevent sticking.
Do not overcook the orzo; al dente texture is ideal.
Reserve a bit of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Add fresh basil right before serving to preserve aroma and color.
Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: balsamic chicken, orzo, vegetable orzo, one-pan meal, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)