Description
This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken and Orzo is a creamy, one-skillet meal made with seared chicken, orzo pasta, spinach, parmesan, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes for a quick yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or small thighs
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4–1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium shallot, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
1 cup dry orzo pasta
1/3 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
1 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh rosemary, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Rub chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Sear chicken 3-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove from skillet.
3. Add butter and shallot to the skillet, cooking until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and orzo, cooking 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Pour in wine to deglaze the pan, then add 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil and cook 3-5 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes until spinach is wilted.
6. Return chicken and any juices to skillet. Transfer uncovered skillet to oven and bake 10-15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
7. Serve topped with lemon juice and fresh rosemary, if desired.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
If you don’t have wine, substitute with chicken broth.
This dish reheats well — add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
For a lighter option, replace cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet + Oven
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg