Marry me chicken & orzo

Directions

  1. 1Heat the oil and butter in a large pan or casserole dish over a medium heat.
  2. 2When the butter is sizzling, add the chicken breast and fry for 10-12 mins until browned on all sides.
  3. 3Sprinkle the paprika, oregano and chilli over the chicken, then stir in the thyme, garlic and tomato paste and cook for 2 mins.
  4. 4Add the orzo to the pan, crumble in the stock cube and pour in 650ml hot water from the kettle.
  5. 5Cook for 12 mins, covered, stirring regularly until the orzo is almost tender. Add a splash of water if needed.
  6. 6Stir in the spinach, lemon zest and juice, the mascarpone and parmesan.
  7. 7Season well and cook for another 2-3 mins until the orzo and chicken are cooked and the spinach has wilted.
  8. 8Scatter with basil and serve with extra parmesan grated over the top.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • knob butter
  • 4 chicken breast fillets cut into small pieces
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp chilli flakes
  • 6 fresh thyme sprigs leaves picked
  • 4 garlic cloves crushed
  • 4 tbsp sundried tomato paste
  • 250 g orzo
  • 1 chicken stock cube
  • 160 g spinach
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 200 g mascarpone
  • 50 g parmesan grated plus extra to serve
  • handful basil leaves to serve

Equipment

large pancasserole dishkettle