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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

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A creamy, one-pan sun-dried tomato chicken orzo made with tender chicken, tangy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked orzo in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This quick 30-minute dinner is hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta (about 180 g)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Stir in uncooked orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
  7. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring and scraping up browned bits.
  8. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  9. Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan and red pepper flakes if using.
  10. Add spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.
  11. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
  • Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to maintain creaminess.
  • Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide best flavor.
  • Do not overcook orzo to avoid mushy texture.
  • Freezing is not recommended due to cream separation.
  • Add lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.

Nutrition