Description
Creamy chicken orzo is a quick and easy weeknight meal that takes just 30 minutes and only requires one pan. This comforting recipe features cherry tomatoes and spinach in a flavorful creamy sauce made with basil pesto.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts (skinless, boneless)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
Instructions
- Season: Slice chicken breasts into thinner strips. Generously season the chicken with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear: Heat a large, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes per side, then remove to a plate.
- Toast: To the same skillet, add 1 cup of uncooked orzo, 5 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook on medium heat, stirring, for about 2 minutes until browned.
- Simmer: Add 2 cups of chicken stock, half of the cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked through.
- Wilt: Add spinach and the remaining cherry tomatoes. Stir on low-medium heat until the spinach wilts.
- Finish: Add heavy cream and basil pesto to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet and allow it to simmer in the sauce until heated and completely cooked through.
Notes
Use a high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even cooking. To make this dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk or cashew milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 659 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 707 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 147 mg
Keywords: chicken orzo, one-pan dinner, creamy chicken pasta, basil pesto chicken