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Creamy chicken orzo with thinly sliced golden chicken, fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in ceramic skillet.

Creamy Chicken Orzo

Creamy chicken orzo with tender sliced chicken, fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes in rich cream sauce. One pot comfort food recipe that's ready in 30 minutes with restaurant-quality flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 465
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs Boneless chicken thighs Sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cup Orzo pasta Uncooked
  • 1 cup Heavy cream For rich sauce
  • 2 cups Chicken broth Low-sodium preferred
  • ⅓ cup Sun-dried tomatoes Oil-packed, chopped
  • 4 cups Fresh baby spinach Washed and dried
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 medium Yellow onion Diced
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoon Olive oil For searing
  • 2 tablespoon Butter For richness
  • 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning Herb blend
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder For extra flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika For color
  • 1 teaspoon Salt To taste
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground
  • ¼ teaspoon Red pepper flakes Optional heat

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven For one-pot cooking
  • Sharp knife For cutting chicken and vegetables
  • Cutting board For safe food preparation
  • Wooden spoon For stirring orzo gently
  • Measuring cups and spoons For accuracy
  • Fine grater For fresh parmesan
  • Plate For resting seared chicken
  • Ladle For serving portions

Method
 

  1. Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in large skillet over medium-high heat
  3. Add chicken strips, sear 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown
  4. Transfer chicken to plate temporarily
  5. Add diced onion to same skillet, cook 3-4 minutes until softened
  6. Add minced garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant
  7. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute
  8. Add orzo pasta, stir to coat 1-2 minutes
  9. Pour in chicken broth gradually, stirring constantly
  10. Bring to gentle simmer, cook 10-12 minutes stirring frequently
  11. Add chicken back with any juices
  12. Pour in heavy cream, stir gently to combine
  13. Add spinach gradually, stirring until wilted
  14. Sprinkle parmesan, stir until melted and creamy
  15. Taste and adjust seasoning, serve immediately

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.