What's For Dinner: Orzo Dinner

Oh, the dinner dilemma. It’s a daily pilgrimage, isn't it? As an introverted soul, I often find myself craving quiet evenings and meals that don’t require a grand production. Especially now, in the heart of July, when the sun lingers, and the thought of elaborate cooking feels a little... much. My spirit often nudges me towards simplicity, reminding me that even in the everyday, there's always room for grace and a perfectly nourishing meal.

This Orzo dinner is one of those beautiful, unassuming answers to the "what's for dinner?" quandary. It's cozy without being heavy, and comforting in a way that feels like a warm hug for your stomach and a gentle sigh for your mind. It truly embodies the idea that a good meal doesn't need to be complicated to be delightful. Like these long July days, which offer so much abundant light, this dish offers abundant flavor with minimal fuss. It’s a blessing in a bowl, truly.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the orzo pasta.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the spinach wilts.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if you’re feeling fancy.

There's something profoundly grounding about a simple meal made with love. As July rolls on, full of vibrant greens and the promise of summer's full glory, I find myself seeking out these moments of quiet sustenance. It's a small reminder that even when life feels busy, we can always carve out a space for peace, gratitude, and a bowl of something truly comforting.

What heartfelt, simple meal brings you true comfort when you need a moment of quiet grace?

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Photo by Trình Minh Thư (@imdauphong)

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