Description

Creamy Orzo with Chicken is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender diced chicken breast sautéed with aromatic onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Combined with orzo cooked in savory chicken broth, then enriched with heavy cream, fresh baby spinach, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe delivers a creamy, satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

1 Pound Chicken Breast, diced into 1 inch pieces
2 Tbs Olive Oil (divided)
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 Tbs Garlic Powder (divided: 1 Tbs for chicken, 1 Tbs for final seasoning)
1 teaspoon Paprika
1 Tbs Italian Seasoning

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 Small Onion, diced
3 Cloves Garlic, minced
¼–½ Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes, drained and chopped
2 Cups Baby Spinach

Pantry Staples

1 Cup Orzo
2 Cups Chicken Broth
¾ Cup Heavy Cream
½ Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated

Instructions

Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the diced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.
Sauté Onions: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet with the onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through.
Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté together for 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Cook Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and add the orzo to the skillet. Stir to ensure the orzo is fully submerged in the broth. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let simmer for 7-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Incorporate Cream and Spinach: Slowly stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach. Continue stirring until the spinach is fully wilted and the mixture becomes creamy.
Season and Finish: Season the orzo mixture with additional salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to taste. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined.
Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the creamy orzo with chicken warm and enjoy your delicious meal.

Notes

You can adjust the amount of sun-dried tomatoes according to your flavor preference.
If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Be careful not to overcook the orzo to avoid mushiness; keep an eye during simmering.
For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream alternative and omit Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Stovetop
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Creamy orzo, chicken recipe, one-pan meal, creamy pasta, easy dinner, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan cheese