Print

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Creamy sun-dried tomato chicken orzo with spinach, tender chicken pieces, and sun-dried tomatoes served in a ceramic bowl on white marble.
Print Recipe

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo combines seasoned chicken tenderloins, tender orzo, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan, and a creamy sauce in one skillet. Ready in 30 mins, it makes a rich and practical weeknight dinner with plenty of protein and savory tomato flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo
  • 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 Parmesan, grated

Instructions

  1. Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chicken tenderloins, then season with paprika, Italian seasoning, ¼ tsp salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3 mins per side, then transfer to a plate.
  2. Toast the orzo: Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Stir in the garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and uncooked orzo and cook for about 2 mins.
  3. Simmer the pasta: Pour in the chicken stock and add the remaining ¼ tsp salt. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 5 to 8 mins, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking.
  4. Add the spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2 to 3 mins, until wilted.
  5. Make it creamy: Add the heavy cream, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is evenly combined and creamy.
  6. Finish the chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for another 2 to 5 mins, until the chicken reaches 165°F in the center. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.

Notes

  • Stir the orzo during simmering because the small pasta can easily stick to the bottom of the skillet.
  • Half and half or evaporated milk can replace the heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
  • Add a splash of chicken stock when reheating if the orzo has absorbed too much sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Orzo

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