Description
Creamy Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Tomatoes
Creamy chicken orzo is the perfect recipe for a busy weeknight, taking just 30 minutes and using only one pan! Inspired by Italian flavors, this comforting dish combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes in a rich, basil pesto-infused cream sauce. Its simplicity and vibrant taste make it feel like a restaurant-quality meal, but easy enough to whip up at home. Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor – a new favorite for weeknight dinners!
1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup orzo pasta
5 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups chicken stock
5 oz fresh spinach
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup basil pesto
Directions:
1. Season chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil until cooked.
2. Cook orzo and garlic in skillet, add chicken stock and tomatoes, simmer.
3. Stir in spinach, heavy cream, and pesto. Combine with chicken and serve.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Kcal: 659
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Season: Pat the 1.5 lb chicken breasts dry and cut them into 1-inch cubes. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and generous pinches of salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Sear for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add 1 cup of orzo pasta and the 5 minced garlic cloves. Toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the orzo is lightly golden and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Simmer: Pour in 2 cups of chicken stock and add the 10 oz of halved cherry tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Finish the Sauce: Stir in 5 oz of fresh spinach until wilted. Then, reduce the heat to low and stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ¼ cup basil pesto until fully combined and creamy.
6. Combine & Serve: Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and heat through for 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy dish is a complete meal on its own. For a restaurant-style presentation, garnish with extra fresh basil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, and a crack of black pepper. Serve it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or with a slice of crusty garlic bread for soaking up every bit of the delicious sauce.
How-to Summary
Cube and season chicken, then sear until golden. Remove chicken. In the same pan, toast orzo and garlic. Add chicken stock and tomatoes, then simmer until orzo is tender. Lower heat, stir in spinach, cream, and pesto. Return chicken to the pan, warm through, and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta? Yes, small pasta like ditalini or small shells will work, but cooking times will vary. Avoid long pasta shapes.
How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream, and use a low-sodium chicken stock.
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely. Sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes would be excellent additions. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the orzo.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce.
Is the orzo supposed to be soupy? No. The finished dish should have a creamy, cohesive sauce that clings to the orzo, not a brothy soup. Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking; it will thicken further.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the orzo, as it can become mushy. It should be al dente when you add the cream. Do not add the cream and pesto while the skillet is on high heat, as this can cause the sauce to separate or curdle. Always reduce the heat to low first. Finally, ensure you adequately season the chicken at the start, as this builds the foundational flavor for the entire dish.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Tomatoes is the ultimate proof that a deeply flavorful, comforting meal doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or a pile of dishes. In just 30 minutes, you get tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a vibrant, restaurant-quality cream sauce. It’s a versatile, one-pan wonder that’s sure to become a reliable favorite in your weekly dinner rotation.