Easy One-Skillet Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo
This recipe features tender chicken and orzo simmered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, all cooked in a single skillet for an easy weeknight meal. It's finished with fresh spinach, Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon.
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main 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 orzo pasta dry
- 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 oil drained
- lemon juice of 1 lemon
- fresh rosemary for serving (optional)
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with the remaining olive oil, oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, then sear until golden on both sides before removing it from the pan.
- Add butter and shallot to the skillet and cook until fragrant. Stir in garlic and orzo, cooking until lightly golden, then deglaze with white wine. Add water and bring to a boil, then stir in cream, Dijon, Parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes until the spinach wilts. Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet, then transfer to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve the chicken and orzo immediately, finishing with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and optional rosemary.
Notes
For an extra burst of freshness, serve with additional chopped fresh rosemary. Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.