Description
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a one-pan, weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken, al dente orzo, and a rich, tangy sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Packed with flavor and minimal cleanup, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste without the fuss. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 cup jarred sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (reserve 2 tbsp of the oil!)
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté diced onion in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes; cook 1 minute.
3. Add uncooked orzo and toast for 1 minute while stirring.
4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer over medium-low, covered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente (~10 minutes).
5. Stir in heavy cream and seared chicken; simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes to heat through and thicken.
6. Turn off heat and stir in grated Parmesan until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Store cooled dish in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream.
Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce or coconut milk for dairy-free.
Swap orzo for small pasta like ditalini, small shells, or rice; adjust cooking liquid/time.
Add more veggies: spinach, mushrooms, or others. Chicken thighs can be used for more flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg