Name: Garlic-Caper Chicken with Creamy Calabrian Zucchini & Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 5 servings
Ingredients: 2.5 pcs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or substitute with 8 oz tail-on shrimp; 2.5 pcs Zucchini halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons; 12.5 oz Orzo Pasta; 1.25 each Lemon juiced and thinly sliced for garnish; 2.5 tbsp Capers roughly chopped; 2.5 clove Garlic peeled and roughly chopped; 0.3125 cup Calabrian Chili Paste; 0.3125 cup Grated Parmesan cheese; 1.25 tbsp Italian Seasoning; 2.5 tbsp Olive Oil for cooking; 0 count Salt to taste; 0 count Black Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1
Prepare Ingredients
Fill a medium pot with salted water (about 3/4 full) and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, wash and dry all produce. Halve the zucchini lengthwise and slice into half-moons; thinly slice half the lemon and remove seeds; roughly chop the capers and garlic.
Tip: Prepping all ingredients before cooking helps streamline the process.
2
Cook the Orzo
Add the orzo to the boiling water and cook for about 10 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly and return the orzo to the pot, keeping it warm until ready to combine.
Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3
Sauté Zucchini with Chili Paste
In a large nonstick pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in the Calabrian chili paste and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Transfer the zucchini to a bowl and keep warm.
Tip: Adjust the amount of chili paste based on your desired spice level.
4
Cook the Protein
In the same pan, add another drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium-high. Season the chicken (or shrimp) with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked (chicken should reach 165°F; shrimp should be opaque). Remove from the pan and set aside.
Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
5
Make Garlic-Caper Topping
Add the chopped garlic and capers to the pan with a little olive oil if needed. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and softened. Turn off the heat and stir in the juice from the lemon slices.
Tip: Keep an eye on the garlic to avoid burning, which can add a bitter taste.
6
Combine and Serve
Return the orzo to low heat and add the sautéed zucchini along with a splash of cream if desired for extra richness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Plate the orzo mixture, top with the cooked chicken (or shrimp), and drizzle the garlic-caper topping over the top. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tip: For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving.

Garlic-Caper Chicken with Creamy Calabrian Zucchini & Orzo

Ingredients

Garlic-Caper Chicken with Creamy Calabrian Zucchini & Orzo

Cooking Instructions

Prepare Ingredients

Cook the Orzo

Sauté Zucchini with Chili Paste

Cook the Protein

Make Garlic-Caper Topping

Combine and Serve

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