Pollo alla Cacciatora with Orzo

Name: Pollo alla Cacciatora with Orzo
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 5 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoon olive oil; 2 pound chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into 1.5-inch pieces); 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper; 1 yellow onion (chopped); 1 red bell pepper (chopped); 1 green bell pepper (chopped); 4 clove garlic (minced); 1 can crushed tomatoes; 0.5 cup vegetable broth; 2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked); 4 cup mixed greens (for side salad); 2 tablespoon Italian dressing (for side salad)

Tender chicken pieces simmered in a savory tomato and herb sauce with bell peppers and onions, served over delicate orzo pasta for a comforting and flavorful Italian classic.

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 45 min
Total: 1 hr 5 min
Servings: 5
Cuisine: Italian
Difficulty: Medium

Dietary

Dairy-Free
Nut-Free
High-Protein
Egg-Free
High-Fiber

Ingredients

2 tablespoon olive oil
2 pound chicken thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into 1.5-inch pieces)
1 teaspoon salt and black pepper
1 yellow onion (chopped)
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
1 green bell pepper (chopped)
4 clove garlic (minced)
1 can crushed tomatoes
0.5 cup vegetable broth
2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
4 cup mixed greens (for side salad)
2 tablespoon Italian dressing (for side salad)

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Add chicken to the pot and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
Add chopped yellow onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Return chicken to the pot, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
While the chicken simmers, cook the orzo pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Divide mixed greens between serving plates and drizzle with Italian dressing for a simple side salad.
Serve the Pollo alla Cacciatora over the cooked orzo, with the side salad.

Notes

This dish reheats beautifully and the flavors deepen overnight, making it excellent for leftovers.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 492
Protein: 44.7 g
Carbohydrates: 47.2 g
Fat: 17 g
Fiber: 7 g
Sodium: 804 mg
Saturated Fat: 3.4 g
Sugar: 13 g
Cholesterol: 154 mg