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Pearl Couscous “Risotto” with Chicken and Spinach

Pearl Couscous “Risotto” with Chicken and Spinach

By Courtney HillNovember 9, 2022

  • Makes
    4 servings
  • Cook Time
    40 minutes
  • Rating

Classic risotto is made with starchy medium-grain Italian rice, such as Arborio or carnaroli. But this “risotto” uses pearl couscous (which actually is a pasta) instead of rice and a cooking method that produces “grains” with a creamy consistency. Scallions, carrot and sun-dried tomatoes are sautéed to develop a rich, subtly sweet flavor base. Cooked shredded chicken, stirred in at about the midpoint, turns the dish into a one-pot meal. You can use chicken you’ve cooked yourself, or for ease, grab a store-bought rotisserie bird.

Ingredients
  • 2

    tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to serve

  • 1

    bunch scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts reserved separately OR 6 medium garlic cloves, minced

  • 1

    medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped

  • ¼

    cup drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

  • 1

    cup pearl couscous

  • ½

    cup dry white wine

  • 3

    cups shredded cooked chicken

  • 1

    5-ounce container baby spinach

  • Optional garnish: Finely grated Parmesan OR pecorino Romano cheese

Step 1

In a large pot over medium, heat the oil until shimmering. Add the scallion whites, carrot, sun-dried tomatoes and ½ teaspoon salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the couscous, then add the wine and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until the pan is almost dry, 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 2

Add the shredded chicken and 4 cups water, then bring to a simmer over medium-high. Cook, stirring often and vigorously, until the couscous is tender and almost all the liquid has been absorbed, 11 to 14 minutes.

Step 3

Reduce to low and add the spinach. Cook, stirring constantly, until the spinach is just wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper, then stir in the scallion greens.