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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a rich, satisfying one-pot dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan, all served with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. This flavorful and comforting meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Orzo:

1 lb chicken breast tenderloins

2 tbsp olive oil (divided)

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 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

1/4 tsp salt

4 oz fresh spinach

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 tbsp dried basil

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

2 tbsp grated Parmesan

Instructions

  • Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken tenderloins with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

  • Prepare the sauce base: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds, then add sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

  • Cook the orzo: Add orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in chicken stock and 1/4 tsp salt, then bring to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until orzo is tender and most of the stock is absorbed.

  • Add spinach and cream: Stir in spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Add heavy cream, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce.

  • Finish the dish: Slice the chicken and add it back to the skillet. Stir everything together for 2-3 minutes.

  • Serve: Garnish with grated Parmesan and serve immediately. Add fresh basil for extra flavor if desired.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and use grilled vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.

For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan.

Use small pasta shapes like penne or farfalle if you don’t have orzo.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/creamy-sun-dried-tomato-chicken-orzo/