Roasted Red Pepper Orzo

Recipes

Roasted Red Pepper Orzo

Ingredients

  • Base:
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 5 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
    • 2 roasted red peppers, diced
    • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
    • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
    • 1 pound orzo pasta
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional Add-ins:
    • 4 ounces baby spinach
    • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
    • 1 cup tomatoes, diced (for garnish)
    • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced (for garnish)
    • 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
  • Optional Proteins:
    • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
    • or 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
    • or 8 ounces Spanish-style chorizo, diced

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Onion:
    • Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
    • Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until tender.
  2. Add Garlic and Optional Proteins:
    • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
    • If using protein: Add the chicken, sausage, or chorizo now. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through.
  3. Combine Broth and Herbs:
    • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
    • Add the diced roasted red peppers, oregano, and thyme.
    • Stir to combine.
  4. Cook the Orzo:
    • Bring the mixture to a boil.
    • Stir in the orzo pasta.
    • Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.
  5. Add Spinach and Cheese:
    • Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt.
    • Mix in the crumbled feta cheese until well combined.
  6. Season and Serve:
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Optional Garnishes: Top with diced tomatoes, sliced basil, or sliced kalamata olives.
    • Serve hot and enjoy!

Optional Variations

  • Garnish Options:
    • Tomatoes: Add 1 cup of diced tomatoes on top before serving.
    • Basil: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of thinly sliced fresh basil as a garnish.
  • Protein Alternatives:
    • Chicken: Add with the onion in step 2.
    • Italian Sausage: Add with the onion in step 2, breaking it apart as it cooks.
    • Chorizo: Add diced chorizo with the onion in step 2.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 615
  • Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat 3g, Trans Fat 0g)
  • Cholesterol: 17mg
  • Sodium: 567mg
  • Carbohydrates: 102g (Fiber 5g, Sugars 10g)
  • Protein: 25g

Notes

  • Roasted Red Peppers: You can use store-bought roasted red peppers or roast your own at home.
  • Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and omit any meat additions.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.