Name: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder; 0.5 teaspoon paprika Salt and black pepper to taste 1 small onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced; 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 1 cup orzo pasta 2 cups chicken broth; 0.75 cup heavy cream; 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese 1 cup baby spinach (optional) Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is the weeknight dinner that turns your regular rotation into something memorable. It brings together tender seared chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo pasta in one skillet for a meal that feels like it came from your favorite bistro. The flavors are rich and comforting, yet balanced with a slight tang that keeps each bite interesting.

This dish is a go-to for busy nights when you want something indulgent but easy. Everything cooks in the same pan, so cleanup is simple. It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work beautifully in this dish. Chicken thighs offer more flavor and stay moist during cooking, while chicken breasts provide a leaner option. You can even use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.

Ingredients for the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup baby spinach (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

How To Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until soft, then add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Stir in the orzo and let it toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This adds a nutty depth to the dish.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Return the chicken to the skillet, add spinach if using, and cook until the spinach is wilted and the sauce has thickened.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness!

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Chicken Orzo

This dish shines as a stand-alone dinner, but you can serve it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully with a splash of broth or cream.

To freeze, allow it to cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container. Reheat gently on the stove with extra liquid to restore the creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Yes! Small pasta like ditalini, pastina, or even rice can be used. Just adjust the liquid and cook time as needed.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can swap the orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try using coconut cream and a vegan parmesan alternative, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mild, but you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you like some heat.

What protein alternatives work here?

Shrimp or turkey would also be great in this dish. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or white beans.

Want More Creamy Chicken Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo, you’ll probably enjoy these other comfort-packed favorites:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it whenever the craving hits.

And when you try it out, I’d love to hear how it went! Did you toss in mushrooms? Maybe added a splash of white wine? Tell me everything in the comments.

Let’s inspire each other in the kitchen. You can find more recipes on my Pinterest @NinaDishes.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a one-skillet meal that brings together juicy chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy parmesan orzo. It’s comforting, flavorful, and quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

3. Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.

5. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and parmesan. Return chicken to skillet, add spinach (if using), and cook until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.

6. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.