If you are looking for a comforting yet elegant meal, let me introduce you to a personal favorite: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo. This dish brings together tender chicken breast tenderloins, velvety cream, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and delicate orzo pasta, creating a luscious symphony of flavor and texture. Every bite is bursting with warmth, a hint of tanginess, and just the right touch of spice, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners that impress without stress.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful selection of each ingredient. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the earthy paprika seasoning the chicken to the fresh spinach adding a pop of color and nutrition.

1 lb chicken breast tenderloins: Tender and quick-cooking, perfect for a juicy protein base.
2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a golden sear on the chicken.
1 tsp paprika: Infuses a smoky warmth that complements the chicken beautifully.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings Mediterranean flavors to the dish.
¼ tsp salt: Balances and enhances all the other tastes.
¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild kick to the seasoning.
1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing garlic and other aromatics to build depth.
5 cloves garlic, minced: Brings an irresistible savory aroma and flavor.
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: The star ingredient for a tangy, chewy burst of umami.
1 cup orzo, uncooked: Tiny pasta that soaks up all the creamy sauce.
2 cups chicken stock: Adds moisture with a rich, savory base that cooks the orzo.
¼ tsp salt: To season the cooking liquid just right.
4 oz fresh spinach: Adds color, freshness, and a nutritional boost.
½ cup heavy cream: The element that makes this dish decadently creamy.
1 tbsp dried basil: Brings a sweet herbal note that brightens the cream.
¼ tsp red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep things interesting.
2 tbsp grated parmesan: The perfect savory finish that melts slightly on top.

How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season your chicken breast tenderloins generously with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This simple rub infuses the chicken with tons of flavor. Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.

Step 2: Toast the Orzo and Aromatics

In the same skillet, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil to capture those delicious browned bits left behind. Add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo pasta. Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until it just starts to take on a light golden color. This toasting step brings out a nutty depth in the orzo that you don’t want to miss.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo in Stock

Pour in 2 cups of chicken stock along with ¼ teaspoon of salt, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Simmer the orzo for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes tender and creamy as it soaks up the stock perfectly.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Cream

When the orzo is just about done, stir in fresh spinach leaves and cook until they have just wilted, around 2 to 3 minutes. Then gently mix in the heavy cream, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. This combination transforms the dish into the ultimate creamy, herbaceous delight with a hint of spice.

Step 5: Finish with Chicken and Parmesan

Return the seared chicken tenderloins to the skillet and let everything simmer together for 2 to 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken warms through once again. Finally, remove from heat and sprinkle the entire dish generously with grated parmesan cheese, melting it slightly on top for that mouthwatering finish.

How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Garnishes

To elevate this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo, consider topping it with a handful of fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra parmesan for that irresistible cheese pull. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice also brightens the flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread or a warm baguette makes a great companion too, perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the creamy orzo in shallow bowls garnished with microgreens, or plate the chicken on top with a side of sun-dried tomato pesto for extra punch. You can even stuff the chicken breast tenderloins prior to cooking to create stuffed versions that bring surprise flavors to the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop with time, making it a delicious choice for next-day meals.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the spinach and cream sauce might change slightly after freezing, but reheating gently will help preserve its creamy charm.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken stock or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving directly to maintain the best texture and flavor of the creamy sauce and tender chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and stay juicy, which pairs beautifully with the creamy orzo. Just adjust cooking time until fully cooked through.

Is it necessary to use sun-dried tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes are key for their distinct tangy sweetness and chewy texture, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with roasted red peppers for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes, simply replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute, and use nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan alternative to keep that cheesy finish.

Can the orzo be cooked separately?

While you can cook orzo separately, the beauty of this dish is that it absorbs all the flavor by cooking in chicken stock and creamy sauce right in the skillet. Cooking them together creates a richer dish.

How spicy is the dish?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, not overpowering. You can adjust the amount to your preferred spice level to keep it mild or make it a bit more lively.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo has a way of bringing everyone to the table with smiles and full hearts. The ease of preparation combined with the delicious layers of flavor makes it a staple I love sharing with friends and family. I truly hope you give this lovely recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a flavorful, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast, nutty orzo pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines Mediterranean seasonings with a smooth, cheesy finish for a delectable and easy-to-make dish.

Instructions

Heat the Oil and Season Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season the chicken breast tenderloins evenly with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and sear for about 3 minutes on each side or until the chicken turns golden brown and is nearly cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Orzo: Using the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and uncooked orzo. Toast the orzo mixture for 2 minutes while stirring continuously to enhance its nutty flavor.
Add Chicken Stock and Simmer Orzo: Pour in 2 cups of chicken stock along with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo becomes tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Incorporate Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and blends into the mixture.
Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream, sprinkle in dried basil and red pepper flakes, then mix everything thoroughly to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Return Chicken to Pan and Simmer: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet. Simmer everything together for an additional 2 to 5 minutes to ensure the chicken heats through and all flavors meld.
Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy sun-dried tomato chicken orzo.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breast with boneless skinless thighs for a juicier result.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes to your taste.
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil work best for more flavor; if using dry sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in warm water before use.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy plant-based alternative.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American