Description
Homemade creamy chicken orzo brings Mediterranean comfort straight to dinner tables. Pasta lovers will savor this simple yet elegant dish that combines tender chicken, herbs, and rich cream sauce for a delightful meal you can easily prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts, skinless, boneless
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 10 oz (283 g) cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 oz (142 g) fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- ¼ tsp salt
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Slice chicken breasts into uniform strips and generously season with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and fully done, roughly 3 minutes per side, then set aside.
- Orzo Foundation: In the same skillet, toast orzo with minced garlic and additional olive oil until lightly golden, creating a nutty base.
- Liquid Integration: Add chicken stock, half the cherry tomatoes, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes until orzo reaches desired tenderness.
- Vegetable Infusion: Incorporate spinach leaves and remaining tomatoes, allowing greens to wilt and create a vibrant, colorful texture.
- Creamy Transformation: Blend heavy cream and basil pesto into the skillet, stirring to develop a rich, cohesive sauce that envelops the ingredients.
- Final Fusion: Return chicken to the skillet, warming thoroughly and allowing it to absorb the surrounding flavors, ensuring complete temperature integration.
- Plating: Serve immediately, presenting a harmonious dish that balances protein, grains, and vegetables in a creamy, aromatic composition.
Notes
- Slice Chicken Carefully: Cut chicken breasts into uniform, thin strips for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Toast Orzo Strategically: Lightly golden-brown orzo grains before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
- Monitor Liquid Absorption: Watch orzo closely during simmering to prevent overcooking or becoming too dry, stirring occasionally.
- Cream Sauce Timing: Add cream and pesto at the end to maintain vibrant color and prevent sauce from breaking or separating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg