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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo 1

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo


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

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.


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


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.

Notes

Toasting the orzo enhances its nutty flavor—don’t skip this step.

Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut and cut prep time in half.

Add red pepper flakes if you like a little spice in your creamy pasta.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: chicken orzo, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato orzo