Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo Recipe
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish that combines tender chicken breast tenderloins, savory sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce infused with Italian seasoning. The orzo pasta soaks up the rich chicken broth and cream, making it a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Sauce & Pasta
- 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
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season the chicken breast tenderloins with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sear the chicken for 3 minutes on each side, ensuring the seasoning coats the meat well, totaling about 6 minutes.
- Cook Aromatics and Orzo: Remove the chicken and add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and uncooked orzo, roasting the pasta for about 2 minutes while stirring continuously to develop flavors.
- Add Liquid and Cook Orzo: Pour in chicken stock and add ¼ teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Let the orzo cook for 5–8 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Wilt Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the skillet and mix well until wilted, approximately 2–3 minutes.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, dried basil, and red pepper flakes, combining them thoroughly into the mixture to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
- Finish Cooking Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, cover, and let it simmer for 2–5 minutes until fully cooked and warmed through.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the dish. Serve warm for a delicious, creamy meal.
Notes
- To avoid overcooking the chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy non-dairy alternative.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them before chopping to prevent extra oiliness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of chicken stock or cream to maintain creaminess.
- You can add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (13 oz)
- Calories: 618 kcal
- Sugar: 9.4 g
- Sodium: 608 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 9.9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 4.6 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 122 mg
Keywords: sun-dried tomato chicken, creamy orzo, one-pan chicken dinner, Italian chicken pasta, quick chicken recipe, comfort food