Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

A one-pan wonder that brings together tender, herbed chicken breasts, nutty orzo pasta, tangy sun-dried tomatoes and vibrant baby spinach in a luscious, creamy sauce. This satisfying dish is quick enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for a special occasion—perfect for anyone craving a comforting yet impressive meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All-in-One Skillet Dinner: Protein, pasta and vegetables come together in a single pan, minimizing cleanup while allowing flavors to meld.

• Bold, Balanced Flavours: Italian-seasoned chicken, garlic and a hint of crushed red pepper meld with a creamy Dijon-and-Parmesan-infused sauce, brightened by lemon juice and fresh spinach.

• Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing: Swap chicken breasts for thighs, use white wine or extra broth, and adjust heat with red pepper flakes—this dish adapts to your pantry and preferences.

• Elegant Yet Easy: Despite its gourmet taste, the recipe requires basic kitchen skills and comes together in under 45 minutes, making you look like a pro with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or small thighs)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¼–½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 medium shallot, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta

• ⅓ cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups fresh baby spinach

• ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat and Season: Preheat the oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Rub the chicken on both sides with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, oregano, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Chicken: In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken and sear until golden brown on each side, about 3–5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.

3. Prepare the Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the shallot and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and orzo, cooking until the orzo is lightly toasted, about 2–3 minutes.

4. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add 375 ml (1½ cups) of water or chicken broth and bring to a boil. Allow to simmer for 3–5 minutes, then stir in the cream, Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Add the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until the spinach wilts.

5. Bake: Nestle the seared chicken back into the sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74 °C (165 °F).

6. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Drizzle the lemon juice over the top and garnish with rosemary sprigs if desired. Serve directly from the skillet for a family-style presentation.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Protein Swap: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result, or substitute large shrimp (adding them at the end to prevent overcooking).

• Greens Upgrade: Replace spinach with kale, Swiss chard or arugula for varied texture and flavour.

• Wine-Free Option: Omit the white wine and substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth plus a splash of lemon juice for acidity.

• Added Heat: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or stir in a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.

storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze cooled portions (omit the spinach) in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring until warmed through.

FAQs

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You may use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option; the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Replace the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice, adjusting the cooking time and liquid volume as needed.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

An internal temperature of 74 °C (165 °F) indicates doneness. Alternatively, cut into the thickest part to ensure the meat is opaque and the juices run clear.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Partially. You can sear the chicken and prepare the orzo base in advance, refrigerating both separately. Combine and bake just before serving.

Is it safe to use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?

Absolutely. Drain oil-packed tomatoes and pat dry, or rehydrate dry-packed tomatoes in warm water for 10 minutes before use.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and tomato-garlic flavours without overpowering them.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Substitute dairy-free butter, coconut cream or cashew cream for heavy cream, and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.

Why is my orzo undercooked or mushy?

Undercooked orzo indicates insufficient liquid or cooking time—add more broth and simmer longer. Mushy orzo suggests overcooking; reduce simmer time next time.

How can I add more vegetables?

Sauté diced bell peppers, zucchini or mushrooms along with the shallot and garlic before adding the orzo.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use a larger skillet or Dutch oven and increase the liquid slightly to ensure even cooking of the orzo.

Conclusion

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavours in a single comforting skillet. With straightforward steps, versatile ingredients and minimal cleanup, this dish is sure to become a weeknight staple and an elegant dinner party option alike. Enjoy the indulgent yet effortless gourmet experience with family and friends.