Best Mendis Favorite Orzo Recipes

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN ORZO

Mediterranean Chicken Orzo image

Orzo pasta with chicken, olives and herbes de Provence has the bright flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Here's a bonus: Leftovers reheat really well! -Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 4h15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
1 cup sliced pitted green olives
1 cup sliced pitted ripe olives
1 large carrot, finely chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon herbes de Provence
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta

Steps:

In a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 11 ingredients. Cook, covered, on low 4-5 hours or until chicken, pasta and vegetables are tender, adding orzo during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 415 calories, Fat 19g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 86mg cholesterol, Sodium 941mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 27g protein.

SAVORY MEDITERRANEAN ORZO

Savory Mediterranean Orzo image

If you like to celebrate the season by sampling flavors from around the world, you'll love this Mediterranean side. The yellow summer squash, roasted red peppers and spinach yield specks of eye-popping color that makes this dish festive.-Kristi Silk, Ferndale, Washington

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 45m

Yield 12 servings (2/3 cup each).

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 package (16 ounces) orzo pasta
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups (8 ounces) crumbled feta cheese, divided
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 jar (7-1/2 ounces) roasted sweet red peppers, drained and chopped
1 small yellow summer squash, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

In a large saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Stir in orzo; cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes or until tender. Remove from the heat., In a small skillet, saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir into orzo mixture. Stir in 1 cup cheese, spinach, red peppers, squash, salt and pepper., Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 233 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 554mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges