Description
Creamy chicken orzo delight combines tender chicken, hearty orzo, and fresh Mediterranean ingredients in one comforting skillet. Rich pesto and colorful vegetables make this dish a perfect weeknight meal you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lb (680 g) chicken fillets, skinless and boneless
- 1 cup (185 g) orzo, uncooked
- 2 cups (473 ml) chicken stock
- 10 oz (283 g) cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 5 oz (142 g) fresh spinach
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (60 ml) basil pesto
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Slice chicken fillets into uniform strips and coat comprehensively with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground pepper, ensuring complete flavor absorption.
- Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Cook chicken strips for 3 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown caramelization, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Orzo Foundation: In the same skillet, toast uncooked orzo and minced garlic with olive oil, stirring continuously until developing a light, nutty golden color.
- Liquid Integration: Add chicken stock, half the cherry tomatoes, and a salt sprinkle. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Stir intermittently until orzo becomes tender and absorbs most liquid.
- Vegetable Incorporation: Add fresh spinach and remaining cherry tomatoes, folding gently until spinach wilts and ingredients blend seamlessly.
- Sauce Creation: Pour heavy cream and basil pesto into the mixture, stirring thoroughly to create a luxurious, verdant sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Final Fusion: Return chicken strips to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy pesto mixture. Simmer gently to ensure complete heating and flavor melding, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Precision Cutting Technique: Slice chicken uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture.
- Spice Massage Method: Thoroughly coat chicken with spices by gently massaging the seasoning blend, ensuring deep flavor penetration.
- Orzo Toasting Trick: Gently toast orzo before liquid addition to unlock a rich, nutty flavor profile and enhance overall dish complexity.
- Cream Integration Secret: Add cream and pesto gradually while stirring to prevent sauce separation and maintain smooth, luxurious consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg