Creamy Chicken Orzo Delight: A 30-Minute One-Pan Wonder!

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:

1. Slice chicken breasts into thinner strips. Season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. 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.
3. In the same skillet, add uncooked orzo, minced garlic, and olive oil. Cook on medium heat, stirring, for about 2 minutes until browned.
4. 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.
5. Add spinach and the remaining cherry tomatoes. Stir on low-medium heat until the spinach wilts.
6. Add heavy cream and basil pesto to the skillet with orzo and veggies, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
7. 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.