Description
A delicious and creamy concoction of chicken, orzo, and spinach, flavored with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and nearly cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the dry orzo and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes so it picks up the flavor in the pan.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet. Add the spinach and stir until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- This dish can be served as a main course or a side dish.
- For a lighter option, you can reduce the amount of cream or use half-and-half.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg