Chicken and Tomato Orzo

It is probably no surprise to anyone by now that I LOVE pasta.  It is so comforting and just brings everyone together :)  So when I was browsing recipes on Eating Well and I came across this wonderful recipe for Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo I knew it was a must try recipe.

I did make a few changes to the recipe to suit our tastes, but for the most part I kept it true to the recipe.  This is a definite keeper in our house.  But how could you not love pasta, chicken, tomatoes, and cheese?  Mmmmmm....yum!

Chicken and Tomato Orzo adapted from Eating Well
8 oz of Orzo
1 Cup Water
1/2 Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes, chopped
2 Roma Tomatoes, diced
2 tsp Minced Garlic
1 tsp Basil
1 tsp Thyme
1 TBS Red Wine Vinegar
2 TBS Olive Oil
3-4 (depending on size) Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1 Package Frozen Artichoke Hearts, thawed
1/2 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

• Prepare orzo as directed on package, drain and rinse
• Meanwhile combine water, 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, roma tomatoes, garlic, basil, thyme, vinegar, and 1 TBS olive oil in a blender
• Blend until a few chunks remain
• Season Chicken with salt and pepper
• Heat 1 TBS olive oil over medium high heat
• Add the chicken and cook for about 3-5 minutes per side until no longer pink
• Set aside on a plate and cover to keep warm
• Pour tomato sauce into a pan and bring to a boil
• Measure out 1/2 cup sauce into a small bowl and add remaining sun dried tomatoes to the pan along with the orzo, artichoke hearts, and cheese
• Cook while stirring for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through
• Slice the chicken, then top each portion of pasta with chicken, reserved tomato sauce, and sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese

Below is the nutritional value per serving.  This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 263 g

Amount Per Serving

Calories 410 Calories from Fat 131

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 14.6g 22%

Saturated Fat 3.8g 19%

Trans Fat 0.0g

Cholesterol 75mg 25%

Sodium 454mg 19%

Total Carbohydrates 37.3g 12%

Dietary Fiber 4.8g 19%

Sugars 3.6g

Protein 32.1g

Vitamin A 11% • Vitamin C 33% Calcium 14% • Iron 19%

Nutrition Grade B+

* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points

• Low in sugar
• High in niacin