Description
This one-pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is your weeknight dinner hero. Tender, golden-seared chicken is nestled in a luxuriously creamy orzo pasta enriched with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach. It’s comforting, quick, and absolutely loaded with flavor. Ideal for a cozy evening meal, this easy recipe blends convenience with restaurant-worthy taste. Whether you’re looking for quick dinners, easy dinner ideas, or creamy pasta dishes, this one ticks all the boxes for comfort food lovers, busy home cooks, and fans of one-skillet meals.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts
1 cup orzo pasta
3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
2 cups baby spinach
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add orzo to the skillet and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat in the garlic oil.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach. Cook until spinach wilts.
7. Slice cooked chicken and return to skillet. Add Parmesan cheese and stir gently. Let everything heat through until creamy and fully combined.
8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For even more flavor, add a splash of white wine when simmering the orzo.
Don’t skip toasting the orzo — it adds a deep, nutty taste.
If the sauce thickens too much when reheating, just add a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to life.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan / Skillet
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy chicken orzo, sun-dried tomato pasta, easy dinner, one pan meals, orzo recipes