Name: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup orzo, uncooked; 2 cups chicken stock; ¼ tsp salt; 4 oz fresh spinach; ½ cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp dried basil; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; 2 tbsp grated parmesan

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce with flavorful orzo pasta. It’s perfect for a wholesome dinner that feels special but is easy to make on a weeknight. The rich flavors and creamy texture will charm your family and friends, making it a must-try for any home cook.

🧰 Kitchen tools commonly used in similar recipes

Before starting, many home cooks like to have these basic tools ready:

How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breast tenderloins
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup orzo, uncooked
2 cups chicken stock
¼ tsp salt
4 oz fresh spinach
½ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp dried basil
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp grated parmesan

Directions:

Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Sear the chicken for 3 minutes on each side until golden. Then, remove from skillet.
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then stir in garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo.
Toast the orzo for 2 minutes while stirring.
Pour in chicken stock and ¼ tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
Cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
Add heavy cream, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
Return the chicken to the pan and simmer for 2–5 minutes until heated through.
Remove from heat and top with grated parmesan before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

This dish is best served warm and can be enjoyed right from the skillet. You can serve it in individual bowls and garnish it with extra grated parmesan and fresh basil for an extra touch. A side salad or garlic bread can complement the meal beautifully.

How to Store Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more flavor.
You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein choice.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or replace orzo with whole wheat pasta or quinoa for added nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. However, they will not provide the same concentrated flavor that sun-dried tomatoes do.

2. Is orzo gluten-free?
Traditional orzo is made from wheat and is not gluten-free. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free orzo made from rice or quinoa.

3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream or coconut milk and omit the parmesan cheese. Adjust the seasonings to enhance the flavor!