Description
Creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor, this chicken orzo dinner combines juicy golden chicken, parmesan cream sauce, tender orzo pasta, spinach, and sun dried tomatoes in one comforting skillet meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the orzo and toast lightly for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir well while scraping the bottom of the pan.
- Add the chopped sun dried tomatoes and return the chicken to the skillet.
- Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo becomes tender.
- Reduce heat slightly and stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and spinach.
- Cook gently until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Finish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce.
- Add extra broth if the orzo absorbs liquid too quickly.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream for the best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: creamy chicken orzo, one pan chicken pasta, parmesan chicken orzo, creamy orzo dinner, sun dried tomato chicken pasta, comforting skillet dinner