Description
Creamy chicken orzo brings Mediterranean comfort to your dinner table. Silky pasta, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs create a delightful one-pot meal you’ll savor with pure satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breasts, skinless, boneless
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10 ounces (283 grams) cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup basil pesto
Instructions
- Transform chicken breasts into slender, uniform strips. Lavishly coat with a robust blend of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- Warm olive oil in a capacious skillet over medium flame. Sear chicken pieces until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a holding plate.
- Utilize the same skillet, introducing orzo, minced garlic, and an additional drizzle of olive oil. Toast grains until they develop a delicate golden hue.
- Pour chicken stock into the skillet, incorporating half of the vibrant cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Elevate heat to trigger boiling, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Fold in crisp spinach leaves and remaining tomatoes. Allow greens to wilt and soften, creating a verdant landscape across the dish.
- Introduce velvety heavy cream and aromatic basil pesto, stirring to create a luxurious, unified sauce.
- Reintegrate the reserved chicken into the skillet, allowing it to warm through and absorb the surrounding flavors. Ensure everything is heated evenly and thoroughly.
- Serve immediately, presenting a harmonious blend of tender chicken, creamy orzo, and vibrant vegetables.
Notes
- Cooking chicken first ensures perfectly seasoned and browned protein for maximum flavor impact.
- Toasting orzo in olive oil creates a nutty, rich base that elevates the entire dish’s depth and complexity.
- Quick one-pan method saves time and minimizes cleanup, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg