Description
A rich, one-pot Italian-inspired comfort dish featuring tender chicken, silky orzo, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.25–1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 heaping cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and cube them. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and half of the Italian seasoning.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce the heat, add unsalted butter, and sauté diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the dry orzo to the pan and toast for about a minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Add remaining Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Return the chicken to the pan.
- Simmer for another 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
- Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Searing the chicken well creates flavor for the dish; do not skip this step. Stir frequently while simmering to prevent sticking, and adjust thickness of the sauce as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: creamy chicken orzo, Italian comfort food, one pot meals