Description
Savor Mediterranean comfort with this creamy chicken orzo, where tender chicken nestles in silky pasta embraced by rich, herb-infused sauce. Delightful flavors and simple ingredients make this dish a perfect weeknight escape for hungry souls craving warmth and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1.5 lbs (680 grams) chicken breasts (skinless, boneless)
- 5 oz (142 grams) fresh spinach
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup (185 grams) orzo (uncooked)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 10 oz (283 grams) cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) chicken stock
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by slicing into thin, uniform strips and seasoning thoroughly with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, adding 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sear chicken for approximately 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, toast orzo and minced garlic with 1 tablespoon of olive oil for 2 minutes, stirring continuously until lightly browned.
- Pour chicken stock into the skillet, incorporating half of the cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 7-9 minutes, stirring periodically until orzo reaches an al dente consistency.
- Gently fold in fresh spinach and remaining cherry tomatoes, cooking on low-medium heat until spinach becomes tender and slightly wilted.
- Introduce heavy cream and basil pesto to the skillet, creating a luscious sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Nestle the reserved chicken back into the skillet, allowing it to warm through and complete cooking in the creamy sauce for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 1-2 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Slice chicken uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Toast orzo briefly in olive oil to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping during cooking.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to control salt levels and allow more precise seasoning.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dietary-friendly versions that maintain creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg