High Protein Creamy Parmesan Chicken Orzo Pasta Recipes
A quick, high-protein orzo pasta recipe featuring juicy pan-seared chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy Parmesan finish — all cooked in one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish combines comfort and nutrition with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add zucchini and cook for about 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the cooked orzo, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Add grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. Mix until well combined and the cheese is melted.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
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For extra flavor, marinate chicken in garlic, lemon, and olive oil 30 minutes before cooking.
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Add a splash of broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much while sitting.
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Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can be used for garnish in place of parsley.
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This dish is best served warm, but it also tastes great chilled as a next-day lunch.