Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

The warmth of sun-dried tomatoes and the richness of a creamy Parmesan sauce bring this chicken orzo dish to life. The tender chicken pieces and sautéed spinach blend perfectly with the al dente orzo, making every bite comforting and full of flavor.

This one-pot wonder is both elegant and easy to whip up, ideal for a busy weekday dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to, with its Mediterranean flair and heartwarming richness. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top, and you’ve got a dish worth savoring.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 chicken breasts, diced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 2 cups chicken broth

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.

3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, sauté diced onion for 2-3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute.

5. Stir in the orzo and toast it for 1-2 minutes, then add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender, stirring occasionally.

7. Pour in the heavy cream, add spinach, and stir until wilted.

8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

9. Serve hot and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 460 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying one-pan meal, look no further than Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo. This creamy dish is the perfect marriage of tender chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and velvety orzo pasta, all brought together with a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s not only delicious and filling, but also quick and simple enough for busy weeknights.

A Little Background on Orzo

Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that originates from Italy. Despite its appearance, it’s not a grain — it’s pasta, typically made from semolina flour. Orzo is incredibly versatile and has become a favorite in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and American kitchens for everything from soups to salads and, of course, creamy one-pan meals like this one.

Its small shape allows it to cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully, making it ideal for recipes where you want a pasta base that blends smoothly with sauces and other ingredients. In this dish, the orzo soaks up the creamy broth and Parmesan cheese, creating a luscious texture that coats every bite.

Why This Recipe Works

Let’s break down why this recipe is a standout in both flavor and function:

1. One-Pot Convenience

This is a true one-pan wonder. You don’t need multiple pots or a sink full of dirty dishes afterward — just one large skillet and a few fresh ingredients. From cooking the chicken to simmering the orzo and folding in the creamy sauce, it all happens in the same pan. That means easy prep, easy cleanup, and minimal effort.

2. Balanced Nutrients

This dish is a balanced meal in a bowl. You get:

• Lean protein from the chicken breast
• Complex carbs from orzo pasta
• Greens from fresh spinach
• Healthy fats from olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes
• Calcium and other nutrients from Parmesan cheese

It’s the kind of hearty dish that leaves you full and satisfied without feeling heavy.

3. Bold Mediterranean Flavor

The sun-dried tomatoes in this recipe add a tangy, sweet punch that cuts through the creaminess and lifts the whole dish. Pair that with garlic, onion, spinach, and sharp Parmesan — and you’ve got layers of savory depth in every mouthful.

Sun-dried tomatoes also bring a concentrated flavor you can’t quite get from fresh tomatoes. They’re a pantry staple that instantly adds richness to pasta dishes, salads, sauces, and more.

Ingredient Highlights

Here’s why each key ingredient shines in this recipe:

• Chicken Breast: High in protein and low in fat, chicken breast is perfect for this kind of creamy dish because it cooks quickly and absorbs flavor well.
• Orzo Pasta: Its small shape means fast cooking and the ability to blend seamlessly with cream-based sauces. It also helps create a risotto-like texture without the need for constant stirring.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy, chewy, and intense — they bring in umami and sweetness that elevate the overall flavor profile.
• Spinach: Not only does it add color and freshness, but it’s also packed with iron, fiber, and vitamins. Once wilted, it melts into the sauce, adding a slight earthy flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: The saltiness and nuttiness of Parmesan balance the tang of the tomatoes and the richness of the cream. It also thickens the sauce naturally.

Customization Ideas

The best thing about this dish? It’s super easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.

• Make it low-carb: Swap orzo for cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and replace it with chickpeas or mushrooms for a plant-based protein.
• Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili for some heat.
• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

Meal Prep & Leftovers

This meal stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping. Once cooked, let the dish cool completely and store it in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

It’s also a great recipe to make ahead if you know you’ll have a busy week. You can even freeze it for later — although the texture of the cream may change slightly, the flavor remains intact.

Who Is This Recipe Perfect For?

• Busy parents needing a quick and nourishing family dinner
• Home cooks looking for one-pan meals with rich, gourmet flavor
• New cooks who want something easy but impressive
• Meal preppers who want a recipe that stays creamy and delicious for days
• Anyone craving comfort food without too much fuss

Tips for the Best Results

1. Brown the chicken well. Don’t rush the searing step — a golden crust adds tons of flavor.
2. Toast the orzo. Giving the pasta a quick sauté with the onions and tomatoes adds a nutty depth and enhances the overall flavor.
3. Add the spinach last. This ensures it stays vibrant and doesn’t turn mushy.
4. Use high-quality Parmesan. Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds richer taste than pre-shredded varieties.

What to Serve With It

Although this dish is a complete meal on its own, you can pair it with:

• A fresh arugula or Caesar salad
• Garlic bread or crusty sourdough
• A side of roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus
• A chilled glass of white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

Final Thoughts

The Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and nourishment. It checks all the boxes — quick, creamy, cozy, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish will never disappoint.

Plus, it brings Mediterranean charm to your table with very little effort. One bite, and you’ll understand why it deserves a regular spot in your weekly meal rotation.

Conclusion

If you’re searching for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal, this Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is the answer. It brings together wholesome ingredients, bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors, and creamy comfort — all in just one pan. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or impressing friends with a cozy dinner, this dish delivers every time. It’s simple to prepare, easy to customize, and perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen.