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creamy sun dried tomato chicken orzo

Creamy sun dried tomato chicken orzo is a one-pan dinner with tender chicken, orzo, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.
The orzo cooks in seasoned chicken stock before being finished with cream, basil, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan.
Ready in about 35 minutes, this creamy chicken orzo is an easy weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian-inspired

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry. Season them with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  • Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden on the outside. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  • Build the orzo base: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and uncooked orzo. Stir and toast for about 2 minutes.
  • Add the stock: Pour in the chicken stock and add the remaining salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Cook the orzo: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 5–8 minutes. Stir occasionally so the orzo doesn't stick and cooks evenly.
  • Add the spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, until it wilts into the orzo.
  • Make it creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and add the dried basil and red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is well combined.
  • Finish the chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer for another 2–5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is hot and creamy. For food safety, chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
  • Add Parmesan: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Stir gently or let it melt over the top before serving.

Notes

For a lighter sauce, replace part of the heavy cream with additional chicken stock or milk. You can also add sliced mushrooms, chopped zucchini, or extra spinach for more vegetables.
Serve this creamy sun dried tomato chicken orzo immediately while the sauce is silky and the orzo is tender. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes.
For a stronger tomato flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and drain them well before chopping.