Dive into the world of quick and flavorful cooking with our 30-minute, one-pan wonder – Creamy Chicken Orzo. This delightful dish combines perfectly seasoned chicken, toasted orzo, vibrant veggies, and a luscious cream sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknight dinners.
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, the Creamy Chicken Orzo has become a hero in our kitchen. Picture the sizzle of seasoned chicken in a hot skillet, the aroma of garlic-infused orzo wafting through the air, and the vibrant colors of cherry tomatoes and spinach coming together in a harmonious dance. The result? A mouthwatering, creamy masterpiece that has earned its place as a family favorite, satisfying both time constraints and discerning taste buds.
Why This Creamy Chicken Orzo Is a Weeknight Winner
- Quick and Effortless: With just 30 minutes and a single pan, you’ll have a gourmet-style meal on the table, perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Perfectly Seasoned Chicken: Smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and a touch of salt and pepper transform ordinary chicken breasts into a flavor-packed delight.
- Toasty Orzo Goodness: Cooking the orzo in the same skillet after searing the chicken allows it to absorb all the rich flavors, creating a satisfyingly nutty undertone.
- Vibrant Veggie Infusion: Cherry tomatoes add bursts of freshness, while spinach contributes a dose of green goodness, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
- Creamy Dreamy Sauce: The combination of heavy cream and basil pesto elevates the dish to creamy perfection, coating every bite in a luxurious, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients:
Chicken:
- 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
Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup basil pesto
Directions:
- Slice chicken breasts into thinner strips. Season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for about 3 minutes per side. Remove chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add uncooked orzo, minced garlic, and olive oil. Cook on medium heat, stirring, for about 2 minutes until browned.
- Add chicken stock, half of the cherry tomatoes, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is cooked through.
- Add spinach and the remaining cherry tomatoes. Stir on low-medium heat until the spinach wilts.
- Add heavy cream and basil pesto to the skillet with orzo and veggies, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, allowing it to simmer in the sauce until heated through and completely cooked.
Notes: Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or swap out the protein for a vegetarian version. The orzo tends to absorb liquids, so adjust the consistency with additional chicken stock if needed. For an extra kick, sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving.
