Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pan dinner filled with tender seasoned chicken, creamy orzo, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan. Everything comes together in one skillet for a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.

The combination of garlic, Italian herbs, cream, and sun-dried tomatoes gives this chicken orzo a rich, savory flavor while the spinach adds freshness and color.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken orzo delivers restaurant-style flavor without a complicated cooking process. Toasting the orzo with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes before adding the chicken stock gives the pasta extra depth and helps build a flavorful base.

It’s also a practical family dinner. The chicken, pasta, vegetables, and creamy sauce all cook in the same skillet, making this an excellent one-pan chicken dinner for busy evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 4 oz fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken tenderloins. Season evenly with paprika, Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
3. Sear for approximately 3 minutes per side, or until nicely browned. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate. It does not need to be completely cooked at this stage.
4. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and uncooked orzo.
5. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and the orzo is lightly toasted.
6. Pour in the chicken stock and add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 5–8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
8. Once the orzo is nearly tender, add the fresh spinach. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes, until wilted.
9. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the dried basil and red pepper flakes. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
10. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Cover and gently simmer for another 2–5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
11. Remove the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo from the heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Serve warm.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t completely cook the chicken during the initial sear. Browning develops flavor, while finishing it in the creamy orzo helps keep the tenderloins juicy.

Stir the orzo several times while it cooks because the small pasta can stick to the skillet as it absorbs the chicken stock.

For an especially creamy chicken orzo, add a small splash of warm chicken stock or cream if the sauce becomes too thick. Remember that orzo continues absorbing liquid as it sits.

Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide plenty of flavor. Drain excess oil before chopping them so the finished sauce isn’t overly oily.

Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than many pre-grated varieties. For a halal-friendly meal, use halal-certified chicken, chicken stock, and cheese made with suitable microbial or vegetarian enzymes.

Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly when prepared with halal-certified chicken, stock, and suitable Parmesan

Notes

Chicken tenderloins cook quickly, but boneless skinless chicken breast can also be used. Cut larger breasts into smaller pieces or strips for more even cooking.

For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, increase them slightly.

Serve this one-pan chicken dinner on its own or pair it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per serving:

Calories: 570 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fat: 26 g

Nutrition will vary depending on the brands and exact quantities used.

FAQ

Can I make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare it ahead and refrigerate it, although orzo continues absorbing sauce as it sits. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely. Cut boneless chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. Always cook chicken to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?

Whole milk can work, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Half-and-half is another good option when you want something lighter than heavy cream while maintaining a creamy texture.

Why is my chicken orzo too thick?

Orzo absorbs liquid quickly, even after cooking. Simply stir in a little warm chicken stock until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes. Thaw the spinach first and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before adding it to the skillet.

What can I serve with creamy chicken orzo?

A crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, green beans, or garlic bread all work well. Since this sun-dried tomato chicken orzo already contains protein, pasta, and spinach, it can also be served as a complete meal.

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

Because creamy sauces and cooked pasta can change texture after freezing, refrigeration is preferable. If freezing is necessary, store individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken stock, milk, or cream and stir frequently until warmed through. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.

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Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is an easy one-pan meal with chicken, spinach, Parmesan, and tender orzo.The orzo cooks directly in chicken stock before cream and seasonings are added.The result is a rich and comforting chicken dinner ready in about 35 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-inspired

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins
• 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt divided
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 4 oz fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup uncooked orzo
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 4 oz fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Notes

Chicken tenderloins cook quickly, but boneless skinless chicken breast can also be used. Cut larger breasts into smaller pieces or strips for more even cooking.

For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, increase them slightly.

Serve this one-pan chicken dinner on its own or pair it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

 

Conclusion

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo brings tender chicken, silky orzo, spinach, Parmesan, and bold sun-dried tomato flavor together in one comforting skillet. It’s creamy and satisfying without requiring an elaborate cooking process.

With simple preparation and one-pan convenience, this sun-dried tomato chicken orzo is an easy option for weeknight dinners, family meals, or whenever you’re craving a cozy creamy pasta dish.