Summer nights are meant for epic things to happen. And sometimes I just can’t/won’t spend hours cooking dinner. I think you guys know, I’m down with the low and slow cooking method. But sometimes ain’t nobody got timer that. Which is why I am seriously digging making 30 minute meals. Because can we all just honestly say most meals under 15 minutes are usually super basic. I think in 30 minutes you can develop enough flavor to check all the gourmet boxes. Which is why this One pot Chicken Chickpeas and Orzo was everything. Tons of protein and fiber but without that wretched diet feel. Just all the yums.
A 30 minute meal was essential last night because I had a date. Ever so often Abdel and I will sneak out to have a minute away from home. When we were dating we would go to the movies then go for a walk on the pier on sit on the beach. So lately we have been doing essentially the same thing but with much more ease. I bring a blanket and charge our iPad rent a move and watch it on the beach. It sounds simple but it means the world to us.
I’ve found that in a marriage ( and I know this sounds simplistic but) you have to seek out each other. I know that I plan dates with Abdel. I actively seek him spend time with him dote on him. Because love isn’t one sided. Everyone wants to feel wanted. Sorry I got all marriage whisperer on you.
I love having my grandmother living with us because times like these are so easy to schedule. Disclaimer we don’t grout enough. We are total home bodies even before we had kids. We would just stay in an watch movies from block buster. Do you guys remember blockbuster? I had a card- it was a big deal.
So we knew that dinner with the kids and grandma was gonna be quick deal. And nothing cooks faster than pasta and chicken. The trick to this pasta is the sauce. Actually I think that is the trick to any pasta. Pastas are made or broken by the sauces. It isn’t too heavy. I used some tomato puree and a bit of cream cheese. it was creamy, tangy, sweet and a little spicy from the red pepper flakes. It was the perfect light but filling weeknight dinner.
Make this One pot Chicken Chickpeas and Orzo dish and let me know how you like it. You can also add in some freshly crumbled feta (Abdel topped his plate with it and I might have had a few (3) forks full- it was delicious. I might cry little tears of jealousy if you do but I’ll be so happy for you. Tag me in your pictures 🙂
Peace and Love,
Ann
One pot Chicken Chickpeas and Orzo
One pot Chicken Chickpeas and Orzo has tons of protein and fiber but without that wretched diet feel. It was the perfect light but filling 30 minute dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Chopped/Cubed
- 1 Lb Orzo
- 1/2 Cup Tomato Puree
- 3 Cups Broth
- 1 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1- 15 oz Can Chickpeas Rinsed and Drained
- 4 Garlic Minced
- 1 Large Onion Chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1/4 Cup Feta Crumbled
- 2 Sprigs Thyme
- Cilantro for serving
- 1 Teaspoon Salt and black pepper to taste
Overnight Chicken Dry Brine
- 1 Teaspoon Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Oregano
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Prep: Dry brine the chicken. In a bowl or ziplock bag, add the cubed chicken and spices. Marinade over night for best results. Place a pot over medium-high heat; add oil. Add chicken pieces. Cook and stir until chicken begins to turn opaque, about 1 minute. Add onion, garlic, thyme, red pepper flakes and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir in chicken broth and tomato sauce. Raise heat to high and bring mixture to a simmer. Stir in orzo and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to medium until pasta is almost tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Remove from heat. Add crumbled cheese, cilantro, and fresh lime juice.
