🛒 Ingredients Breakdown
| Category | Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Base | Sun-dried tomato oil | 1 tbsp |
| Protein | Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces) | 1 ½–2 lbs |
| Aromatics | Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Flavor Boosters | Sun-dried tomatoes, drained & chopped | 1 cup |
| Paprika | 1–2 tsp | |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp | |
| Red pepper flakes | ½ tsp | |
| Pasta & Liquids | Dry orzo pasta | 1 cup (8 oz) |
| Chicken stock | 2 ½ cups | |
| Heavy cream, room temp | 1 cup | |
| Final Touches | Baby spinach, packed | 2 cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup | |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | |
| Fresh basil (for garnish) | As desired |
⏳ Preparation Overview
| Step | Time Needed |
|---|---|
| 🥘 Prep Ingredients | 10 minutes |
| 🔥 Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| ⏱️ Total Time | 35 minutes |
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- In a large, deep skillet, heat 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
- Reduce heat to medium, then stir in:
✔ Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
✔ Sun-dried tomatoes (1 cup, chopped)
✔ Paprika (1–2 tsp)
✔ Dried oregano (1 tsp)
✔ Red pepper flakes (½ tsp, adjust to taste) - Cook for 2–3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
- Stir in dry orzo (1 cup) and chicken stock (2 ½ cups).
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is almost tender.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- Lower heat to the lowest setting.
- Stir in heavy cream (1 cup) and baby spinach (2 cups).
- Cook for 1–2 minutes, until spinach is wilted and sauce thickens.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan
- Turn off heat and stir in grated Parmesan (1 cup) until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust with salt & pepper.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately!
🔥 Pro Tips for Success
✅ Stay Organized: This dish comes together quickly, so have all ingredients prepped before starting.
✅ For Extra Flavor: Add crispy bacon bits or sliced Italian sausage.
✅ Vegetarian Swap: Use chickpeas instead of chicken and swap for vegetable stock.
✅ Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days—reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
🍷 Perfect Pairings
🥂 Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the creamy, sun-dried tomato flavors.
🥖 Side Dish: Serve with garlic bread or a simple arugula salad for a complete meal.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Skipping Stirring: Orzo can stick—stir occasionally while simmering.
🚫 Overcooking the Orzo: Keep an eye on it—overcooked orzo gets mushy.
🚫 Using Cold Cream: Room-temperature cream blends better into the sauce without curdling.
❓ FAQs
💬 Can I use another pasta?
Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work too. Adjust cooking time as needed.
💬 How do I make it dairy-free?
Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
💬 Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
💭 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a dream—rich, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make in one pan. Whether you're serving it for a busy weeknight dinner or an elegant date night, it’s sure to impress!
Give it a try and let me know—what’s your favorite one-pan meal? 🍽️✨
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