pantry meal

Good Morning!  Whenever we arrive back in town, I tend to try and avoid the grocery store for as long as possible.  Maybe it's the idea that I am still catching up (laundry, school work, etc.) and this makes for a good excuse to get takeout...or maybe it's just a bad habit.  Regardless, last night left me scratching my head and getting creative with my pantry.  After a few minutes, this "pantry meal" of orzo, chicken, spinach, and artichokes was born- and it was yummy!  Do you have any good "pantry" combinations for those times you just can't make it to the store?

Chicken Artichoke Orzo

Ingredients:

• 4 C. chicken broth
• 2 C. water
• 1 lb. orzo
• 1 tsp. garlic
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 package of pre-cooked chicken
• 1 can artichoke hearts
• 1 bag spinach
• Salt and parmesan cheese, to taste

Directions:

1. Combine chicken broth and water in a large pot and bring to a boil.  Add orzo and cook according to package directions.  (My directions were to stir, reduce to simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes.)
2. While the orzo cooks, heat garlic and olive oil in a pan.  Add chicken and artichokes and saute, about 5 minutes.
3. When the orzo is done cooking (liquid will be absorbed), add spinach to the orzo (still in the pot) and stir.  Cover for a minute or two to help the spinach wilt.  Add chicken and artichoke mixture and stir to combine.
4. Sprinkle with salt and/or parmesan cheese as desired.  Serve warm.

Enjoy!

xo,