Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo Recipe
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pan meal combining tender chicken breast, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy spinach-infused orzo pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe balances rich Mediterranean flavors with a hearty, satisfying texture, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Place 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken breast tenderloins evenly with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 3 minutes on each side until each side is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet, then add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, stirring for about a minute to release their flavors.
- Toast the orzo: Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and toast it for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure even toasting.
- Add chicken stock and salt: Pour in 2 cups of chicken stock and ¼ teaspoon salt, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the orzo: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Wilt the spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach, continuing to cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and integrates with the orzo.
- Add cream and seasoning: Mix in the heavy cream, dried basil, and red pepper flakes, stirring well to create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Reheat the chicken: Return the seared chicken tenderloins to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for 2 to 5 minutes until heated through.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the dish, and serve immediately for a creamy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can add extra richness; if using dry ones, consider soaking them before chopping.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard for a different texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of stock or cream to loosen the sauce.
Keywords: Creamy chicken recipe, sun-dried tomato chicken, chicken orzo, one-pan meal, Mediterranean chicken dish, creamy pasta with chicken, healthy chicken dinner