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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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