Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Introduction & Inspiration

There’s something magical about a rich, creamy one-pan meal that feels fancy but is secretly easy to pull off.

That’s exactly what inspired me to create this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo.

It’s packed with juicy chicken, creamy orzo, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach — a complete, hearty meal in one skillet.

The flavors are bold, comforting, and a little bit luxurious without being complicated.

Perfect for weeknights when you want a cozy, satisfying dinner without the extra dishes.

Nostalgic Appeal

Creamy pasta dishes always remind me of cozy dinners at home growing up, where a big skillet full of something creamy and delicious would hit the table.

Everyone would gather around, digging in with big smiles and full plates.

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo captures that same feeling of warmth and comfort.

It’s rich but balanced, filling without being heavy, and every bite is full of flavor and love.

It’s the kind of meal that just feels good to eat — especially when shared with family or friends.

Homemade Focus

Making this meal at home means every ingredient is fresh, real, and full of flavor.

You cook the chicken just right, season it beautifully, and build layers of flavor starting from the very first step.

There’s no need for boxed mixes or shortcuts — this dish is simple, wholesome, and so much better than anything store-bought.

Homemade cooking like this reminds me how easy it is to create something delicious with just a few simple ingredients and a little love.

And trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your weekly rotation.

Flavor Goal

My goal with this dish was to balance rich creaminess with bright, savory flavors so every bite feels satisfying and fresh.

The chicken is seasoned with paprika and Italian herbs for a beautiful savory crust.

The sun-dried tomatoes bring sweet, concentrated flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Fresh spinach keeps the dish vibrant, while red pepper flakes add just a hint of heat to cut through the richness.

Creamy orzo ties everything together, absorbing all the delicious broth and cream to create a silky, luxurious texture.

The final sprinkle of parmesan brings it all home with a savory, nutty finish that makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient plays a starring role in making this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo special.

Chicken breast tenderloins cook quickly and stay juicy and tender when seared just right.

Olive oil adds richness and helps the chicken and orzo brown beautifully.

Paprika and Italian seasoning bring warmth, earthiness, and a little herby brightness to the dish.

Fresh garlic infuses the whole skillet with an irresistible aroma from the start.

Sun-dried tomatoes add depth, sweetness, and little bursts of flavor throughout the creamy orzo.

Orzo pasta is perfect here — it cooks quickly, absorbs tons of flavor, and gives the dish a hearty, risotto-like texture.

Chicken stock builds a savory base for the orzo to cook in, infusing it with extra flavor.

Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, keeping the dish from feeling too heavy.

Heavy cream brings luscious, silky richness that ties everything together.

Dried basil and red pepper flakes add layers of flavor and just a tiny kick of spice.

Grated parmesan finishes the dish with that perfect salty, nutty hit that makes it unforgettable.

Essential Equipment

You’ll only need a few basic tools to make this amazing dinner.

A large, deep skillet or sauté pan is key for cooking everything evenly.

A sharp knife and cutting board help with prepping the garlic and spinach.

A wooden spoon or sturdy spatula makes stirring easy and keeps the orzo moving so it cooks perfectly.

A lid for your skillet helps trap heat and steam during simmering.

Simple kitchen tools, outstanding results!

Ingredients with Measurements

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Orzo and Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
• 2 cups chicken stock
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 oz fresh spinach
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2:
Add the chicken tenderloins.
Season them evenly with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Sear for 3 minutes on each side until golden and nearly cooked through.

Step 3:
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4:
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, then the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and uncooked orzo.

Step 5:
Toast the orzo for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s slightly golden and coated in the oils and flavors.

Step 6:
Pour in the chicken stock and add ¼ teaspoon salt.
Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.

Step 7:
Simmer for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender.

Step 8:
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach.
Cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Step 9:
Add the heavy cream, dried basil, and red pepper flakes.
Stir everything together until creamy and well combined.

Step 10:
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy orzo.
Cover and simmer gently for 2-5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and fully cooked.

Step 11:
Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated parmesan before serving.

Step 12:
Spoon into bowls and enjoy every creamy, flavor-packed bite!

Troubleshooting

If the orzo absorbs too much liquid before it’s tender, add a splash of extra chicken stock or water.

If the sauce looks too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a minute or two to thicken up.

Be careful not to overcook the chicken; tenderloins cook quickly and stay juicy when not overdone.

Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed — a little extra salt, basil, or parmesan can make it perfect.

Tips and Variations

Swap chicken for shrimp or even sliced sausage for a different protein twist.

Add a handful of cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for extra veggies.

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream if you want a slightly lighter sauce.

Top with fresh basil instead of dried for an extra herbaceous pop.

Serve with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this creamy chicken orzo with a fresh green salad and a glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

It’s hearty enough to stand alone but also pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus or a simple cucumber salad.

Leftovers reheat beautifully — just add a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce when warming.

Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or anytime you want a little extra comfort in your bowl.

Nutritional Information

This dish provides a balanced meal with plenty of protein, fiber from the spinach, and creamy carbs from the orzo.

Heavy cream adds richness but you can adjust the quantity to suit your preference.

Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach bring vitamins, antioxidants, and fresh flavor to round out the dish.

It’s a cozy, feel-good meal you’ll want to make again and again!

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a one-skillet wonder full of rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and comforting creaminess.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes!
Just reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to bring it back to life.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely.
Skip the searing step and add it when you would return the chicken to the skillet.

What other greens can I use?
Baby kale or arugula would work beautifully if you want a twist.

Easy, creamy, and packed with flavor — this meal is everything you need for a cozy, satisfying dinner!