Orzo, Chicken and Artichoke

By jkenb

Ingredients

• 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
• 3 ounces pancetta bacon, diced
• 1 (16 ounce) package orzo pasta
• 5 ounces baby spinach
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) can artichoke hearts (water-packed), quartered
• 1 1/2 cups cubed, cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

Preparation

Step 1

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in pancetta, and cook until browned. Remove to paper towels.
2. Pour 2 tablespoons olive oil into skillet. Stir in onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. Increase heat to medium high, pour in white wine; cook about 3 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to low, stir in chicken, artichoke hearts, and spinach. Cover, and cook to warm through.
4. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add orzo pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, and stir into chicken mixture.
5. Stir pine nuts and balsamic vinegar into pasta.