Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast tenderloins cooked with sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce make this dish both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place a large pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with the chicken breast tenderloins.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, ensuring every piece is well coated.
3. Step 3: Cook the chicken for 3 minutes on each side until seared. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and the uncooked orzo.
5. Step 5: Stir and cook for about 2 minutes until everything is well combined.
6. Step 6: Pour in the chicken stock and add salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pan.
7. Step 7: Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and cook the orzo for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Step 8: Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
9. Step 9: Pour in the heavy cream, then add dried basil and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
10. Step 10: Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and let simmer for 2-5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and fully cooked.
11. Step 11: Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a plant-based twist, substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream.
• Swap orzo for quinoa or couscous to vary textures.
• Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
• To save time, keep a jar of minced garlic in olive oil ready in your fridge.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken in this recipe?

Yes, shrimp makes a great alternative and cooks quickly. Add it after the orzo has cooked to avoid overcooking.

What can I do if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can use fresh tomatoes instead, though the flavor will be milder. Consider roasting them first to enhance their sweetness.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4.8 from 111 reviews

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken breast tenderloins, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy sauce over perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Infused with Italian seasoning and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, it delivers a rich, savory dish ideal for a delicious weeknight dinner.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 Flavor Base

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking orzo)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 cups chicken stock
• ¼ tsp salt (to season orzo and stock)

Vegetables and Cream Sauce

• 4 oz fresh spinach
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Heat and Cook Chicken: Place a large pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken breast tenderloins to the pan.
2. Season Chicken: Coat the chicken tenderloins evenly with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
3. Sear Chicken: Cook the chicken for 3 minutes on each side until nicely seared and fully seasoned.
4. Remove and Set Aside Chicken: Take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside to keep warm.
5. Sauté Aromatics and Orzo: In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and uncooked orzo. Stir continuously to combine and cook for about 2 minutes.
6. Add Stock and Salt: Pour in 2 cups of chicken stock and add ¼ teaspoon salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil while scraping up any browned bits at the pan’s bottom to enhance flavor.
7. Simmer Orzo: Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let the orzo cook until tender, approximately 5 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes.
9. Add Cream and Seasoning: Pour in the heavy cream and add dried basil along with red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a creamy sauce.
10. Reintroduce Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, cover, and let simmer for 2 to 5 minutes until the chicken is fully heated through.
11. Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving to add a rich and salty finish.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken tenderloins with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
• If sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable, fresh tomatoes can be used but will provide a milder flavor.
• Opt for low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock to better control salt content.
• For a lighter cream sauce, use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
• Fresh basil can replace dried basil for a more vibrant herbaceous flavor.
• Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder dish.
• Use avocado oil in place of olive oil if preferred.
• Stir frequently while cooking the orzo to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.

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