Creamy sun-dried tomato chicken orzo topped with herbs and served in a dish

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and creamy sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Packed with goodness, it combines protein, carbs, and veggies in one satisfying meal. Plus, the vibrant colors and great taste make it appealing to everyone at the table.

how to make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (additional)
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup orzo, uncooked
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • ¼ tsp salt (additional)
  • 4 oz fresh spinach
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp dried basil
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan

Directions:

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Sear the chicken for 3 minutes on each side until golden, then remove it from the skillet.
  4. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo.
  5. Toast the orzo for 2 minutes while stirring constantly.
  6. Pour in the chicken stock and ¼ teaspoon of salt, bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and cover the skillet.
  7. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
  8. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  9. Add the heavy cream, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well.
  10. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and simmer for 2 to 5 minutes until heated through.
  11. Remove from heat and top with grated parmesan before serving.

how to serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Serve the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo hot, right from the skillet. It makes a great main dish and pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread. You can also sprinkle extra parmesan on top for those who love cheesy flavors.

how to store Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for a longer time, you can freeze it. Just make sure to separate it into portions.

tips to make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

  1. Make sure to slice the chicken breast thinly for faster cooking.
  2. Stir the orzo often while cooking to prevent it from sticking.
  3. You can adjust the creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream, depending on your preference.
  4. Use fresh spinach for the best flavor, but you can substitute with other greens like kale or arugula.

variation

You can easily customize this recipe. For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also use different pasta types instead of orzo.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can use chicken breast without skin and reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. Just add a splash of chicken stock or cream while reheating to keep it creamy.