Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo {Recipe}

INGREDIENTS

• 8 ounces orzo (rosamarina) – preferably whole-wheat
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup tomato(es), sun-dried – (not oil-packed), chopped, divided
• 1 medium tomato(es), plum – diced
• 1 clove(s) garlic – peeled
• 3 teaspoons marjoram, fresh – chopped, divided
• 1 tablespoon vinegar, red wine
• 1 2/3 tablespoons oil, olive, extra virgin – divided
• 4 piece(s) chicken, breast, boneless, skinless – (1-1 1/4 pounds)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper, black ground
• 9 ounces artichoke hearts, frozen – thawed
• 1/2 cup cheese, Romano – finely shredded, divided

DIRECTIONS

·         Cook orzo in a large saucepan of boiling water until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and rinse.

·         Meanwhile, place 1 cup water, 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, plum tomato, garlic, 2 teaspoons marjoram, vinegar and 2 teaspoons oil in a blender. Blend until just a few chunks remain.

·         Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, adjusting the heat as necessary to prevent burning, until golden outside and no longer pink in the middle, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate; tent with foil to keep warm.

·         Pour the tomato sauce into the pan and bring to a boil. Measure out 1/2 cup sauce to a small bowl. Add the remaining 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes to the pan along with the orzo, artichoke hearts and 6 tablespoons cheese. Cook, stirring, until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Divide among 4 plates.

·         Slice the chicken. Top each portion of pasta with sliced chicken, 2 tablespoons of the reserved tomato sauce and a sprinkling of the remaining cheese and marjoram.

(Disclosure: The above recipe and image are courtesy of RecipeRehab.com. No compensation was received.)