Description
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a rich and flavorful one-pan wonder that blends juicy seared chicken, tender orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress with minimal effort, this easy recipe delivers every time. It’s the perfect mix of comforting, protein-packed, and loaded with texture. A go-to for anyone looking for quick dinner ideas, easy meals with chicken, or a hearty yet balanced pasta dish. Great for busy families, meal prepping, or indulgent food ideas that still feel wholesome.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
1 cup dry orzo pasta
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
2 cups fresh spinach leaves (roughly chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 medium yellow onion (finely diced)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil (from sun-dried tomato jar or regular)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Optional garnish: Fresh basil or extra Parmesan
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, melt butter. Add diced onion and cook until translucent (about 2–3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
3. Stir in orzo and toast it for 1–2 minutes to enhance flavor.
4. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and cream. Stir to combine. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until orzo is tender and sauce thickens.
5. Stir in spinach and Parmesan. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese is melted.
6. Return cooked chicken to the pan. Spoon sauce over the chicken and let simmer together for 2–3 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh basil or more Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for added flavor when searing the chicken.
Don’t skip toasting the orzo — it adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
Add broth or cream when reheating leftovers to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken orzo, creamy orzo, one pan chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato chicken, quick dinner, easy recipe