Chia's Rice Orzo

Elevate your weeknight meals with "Chia’s Rice Orzo," a delightful fusion of tender long-grain rice, golden-toasted orzo pasta, and nutrient-packed chia seeds, all simmered to perfection in a savory broth. This one-pan dish combines the creaminess of a risotto with the ease of a pilaf, making it a versatile option for both side dishes and main courses. Seasoned with aromatic garlic, paprika, and a hint of fresh parsley, it’s a burst of flavor in every bite. Featuring a prep time of just 10 minutes and flexible topping options like grated Parmesan, this recipe is your go-to for a wholesome, comforting meal. Whether paired with roasted vegetables or served solo, this hearty yet elegant dish is sure to delight your taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, "Chia's Rice Orzo" offers a simple yet sophisticated twist on classic comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Step 2

Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is lightly toasted and golden.

Step 5

Stir in the rice and mix well to combine with the orzo.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, then add the chia seeds, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid.

Step 8

Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice and orzo are tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 10

Fluff the mixture with a fork, then stir in the chopped parsley.

Step 11

If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm as a side or enjoy it as a main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1343.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1751.8

Total Fat 56.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.5g
Cholesterol 47.6mg	0%
Sodium 5871.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 243.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.0g	0%
Total Sugars 13.5g
Protein 61.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 929.8mg	0%
Iron 8.7mg	0%
Potassium 868.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.5%

Protein: 14.1%

Carbs: 56.4%