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Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo Recipe

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 29 reviews

This Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast tenderloins seasoned with paprika and Italian herbs, cooked with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo pasta in a rich and creamy sauce accented with fresh spinach, dried basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Finished with a sprinkle of parmesan, it’s a delicious, protein-packed dinner recipe perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Seasoning

  • 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Orzo & Vegetables

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for 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

Sauce & Finishings

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp dried basil
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Coat the chicken tenderloins with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sear the chicken for 3 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through, then remove from the skillet.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, then sauté the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Add the uncooked orzo and stir, roasting the pasta for about 2 minutes to bring out its nutty flavor.
  3. Add Stock and Cook Orzo: Pour in the chicken stock, add ¼ teaspoon salt, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let the orzo simmer for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender.
  4. Incorporate Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and melds into the dish.
  5. Make it Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream, then add dried basil and red pepper flakes. Stir gently to fully combine and heat the sauce through.
  6. Return Chicken and Simmer: Add the seared chicken back into the skillet. Cover and simmer for another 2-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm and the flavors to meld perfectly.
  7. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top. Serve warm for a creamy, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Ensure the orzo is cooked just right—tender but not mushy—for best texture.
  • Use high-quality chicken stock for richer flavor.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can add extra depth if drained and chopped finely.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat if preferred.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to prevent separating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy chicken orzo, sun dried tomato chicken, one pan dinner, creamy pasta, healthy chicken recipe, Italian chicken orzo, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/creamy-sun-dried-tomato-chicken-orzo-recipe/