Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo Bliss: A Cozy, Flavorful Hug in Every Spoonful!
Cook this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo: tender chicken, tangy tomatoes, and a creamy sauce with spinach. Easy, hearty, and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
Here’s everything I use, measured out with love:
- 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
I line it all up on my counter, and it’s like a pasta feast waiting to happen. This makes 4 hearty servings—perfect for sharing or savoring solo, depending on my mood. It’s my roadmap to creamy bliss. I always double-check my stash before I start—it’s my ritual to stay chill. Nothing’s worse than missing cream mid-prep, right? Keeps me in the groove and ready to cook.
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Let’s get sizzling—heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high (I love that golden glow!). Add 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins—sprinkle with 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper (my kitchen’s buzzing with spice vibes!). Sear 3 minutes per side—6 minutes total—‘til golden and spiced (my heart races for that brown!). Remove and rest—keep warm (my skillet’s humming!).
Step 2: Sauté the Base
Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet—toss in 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 1 cup uncooked orzo (I grin at that garlic sizzle!). Stir and roast 2 minutes—coat that orzo (my kitchen smells like a trattoria!). It’s the tangy base—pure orzo joy!
Step 3: Simmer the Stock
Pour in 2 cups chicken stock—add ¼ tsp salt and mix, scraping the pan (I feel like a chef!). Bring to a boil—lower heat, cover, and cook 5-8 minutes ‘til orzo softens—stir 2-3 times (my spoon’s dancing!). It’s the hearty simmer—pure pasta magic!
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Add 4 oz fresh spinach—stir ‘til it wilts, 2-3 minutes (my kitchen’s a green haven!). It’s the fresh lift—pure veggie delight!
Step 5: Cream It Up
Pour in ½ cup heavy cream—add 1 tbsp dried basil and ¼ tsp red pepper flakes—mix well (my heart races for that creaminess!). It’s the silky finish—pure creamy bliss!
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Return chicken to the skillet—cover and simmer 2-5 minutes ‘til heated and 165°F inside (that first bite’s pure joy, and you made it happen!). It’s coming together—pure comfort in a pan!
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat—sprinkle 2 tbsp grated parmesan (my table’s a feast!). Serve hot—dig in (my kitchen smells like heaven!). Enjoy with love—it’s a winner every time!