One-Pot Creamy Chicken Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Creamy Chicken Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is the ultimate one-pot comfort food! Juicy chicken, tender orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach come together in a rich, creamy sauce that's ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a cozy, satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights—and sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta (about 6.3–7 oz / 180–200 g)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (16 fl oz / 500 ml)
- 1/3 cup milk (any kind, about 2.7 fl oz / 80 ml)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3.5–5 oz sun-dried tomatoes, ideally in oil (drained and chopped)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 heaping tsp of dried basil, oregano, or Italian herbs
- 3.5 oz baby spinach (about 100 g)
- ½ to ¾ cup heavy cream (4–6 fl oz / 120–180 ml), depending on how creamy you like it
- 1.5–2 oz (40 - 60 g) grated Parmesan or Grana Padano (optional)
- Small bunch of fresh parsley (optional), chopped
- 2–3 tbsp cooking oil + 1 tbsp butter for sautéing
- 17.5 oz (500 g) chicken breast – 2 medium to large pieces
- Seasonings for chicken: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked or sweet paprika
- About 3 tbsp flour – for coating the chicken before pan-searing
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparing the Chicken 🍗🔥If your chicken breasts are very thick, gently pound them between two sheets of plastic wrap to even out the thickness—no need to make them super thin, just uniform for even cooking. Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and either sweet or smoked paprika.Next, coat the chicken breasts evenly in all-purpose flour. Heat some cooking oil in a large skillet (I recommend adding a tablespoon of butter for extra flavor).Once the oil is hot, pan-sear the chicken until golden brown—about 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Avoid high heat, as it can burn the flour coating while leaving the inside undercooked. When done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to rest for a few minutes. This helps lock in the juices and keep the meat extra tender.Don’t slice the chicken just yet—you’ll cut it into pieces right before adding it to the sauce. That way, it stays nice and juicy.🟡 Tip: Want to make sure your chicken is fully cooked? Cut into the thickest part—if it’s completely white with clear juices, it’s ready! You can also gently press the chicken with tongs—if it feels firm and springy (not soft or jiggly), it’s likely done. Have a kitchen thermometer? Perfect! The internal temp should read at least 165°F (74°C).
- Step 2: Sauté the Onion, Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Garlic 🧅🍅🧄If needed, add a little more oil or butter to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2–3 minutes, until softened and lightly golden.Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute, letting their bold flavor infuse the pan.Add the minced (or grated) garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let it burn—just enough to release that delicious aroma.At this point, your kitchen should smell absolutely amazing! 😍
- Step 3: Cook the Orzo in Broth & Milk 🍝🥣🌿Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and stir it into the sautéed veggies. Pour in the hot vegetable or chicken broth and the milk, then stir well to combine.Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 12 minutes, stirring frequently.⚠️ Heads-up: Orzo loves to stick to the bottom of the pan, so be sure to stir it often—especially along the edges and base!As it cooks, season to taste with salt, pepper, and your choice of dried basil, oregano, or Italian herbs. Let the orzo soak up all those rich, creamy flavors!
- Step 4: Add the Cream and Baby Spinach 🥬🥄💛Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Then add the baby spinach and gently mix it into the sauce.Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts down and becomes tender. It should shrink in volume and turn soft, while still keeping that vibrant green color.
- Step 5: Add the Chicken and Finish with Cheese 🍗🧀🌿Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized chunks, then add it back to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the pieces in the creamy orzo and let everything warm through.For a final flavorful touch, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley, if you’d like.Serve right away while it’s hot, creamy, and comforting—this one’s hard to resist! 😍