Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo Recipe
A flavorful and creamy sun-dried tomato chicken orzo dish that combines tender seasoned chicken breast with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich cream sauce. Cooked all in one skillet, it’s a comforting, quick meal perfect for weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Orzo and Vegetables
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking orzo)
- 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
Finish and Garnish
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season the chicken breast tenderloins evenly with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 3 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté orzo and aromatics: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Stir in minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and uncooked orzo. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes to roast the orzo lightly and develop flavor.
- Add chicken stock: Pour in the chicken stock and add ¼ tsp salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer orzo: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the orzo cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender.
- Wilt spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts completely.
- Make creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add dried basil and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Reheat chicken: Return the cooked chicken breast tenderloins to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 2-5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and fully combined with the sauce.
- Finish with parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with grated parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Notes
- Using chicken breast tenderloins ensures quick and even cooking.
- Roasting orzo before adding liquid adds a nutty flavor and prevents mushiness.
- Stir frequently during simmering to avoid orzo sticking and burning.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://bitezly.com/creamy-sun-dried-tomato-chicken-orzo-recipe/
