Description
Creamy chicken orzo skillet promises comfort with Mediterranean charm. Rich parmesan and tender chicken meld into a wholesome one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breasts, skinless, boneless
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking Base and Liquids:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces (284 grams) cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup basil pesto
Instructions
- Prepare chicken breasts by slicing them into uniform, thin strips, ensuring even cooking and optimal seasoning absorption.
- Liberally coat chicken strips with a robust blend of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, creating a flavorful exterior.
- Warm a large skillet over medium heat, adding extra virgin olive oil to create a shimmering cooking surface.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken strips into the skillet, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown crust by cooking approximately 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer seared chicken to a separate plate, preserving its moisture and warmth.
- In the same skillet, introduce uncooked orzo pasta, finely minced garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil, toasting the ingredients until orzo achieves a light golden hue.
- Pour chicken stock into the skillet, incorporating half of the halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent orzo from sticking, and cook for 7-9 minutes until pasta reaches al dente consistency.
- Fold in fresh spinach leaves and remaining cherry tomatoes, allowing greens to wilt and tomatoes to soften slightly.
- Introduce heavy cream and aromatic basil pesto, stirring to create a luxurious, creamy sauce that coats the orzo and vegetables.
- Carefully return seared chicken strips to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy mixture and simmering for 2-3 minutes to ensure complete heating and final cooking.
- Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for 1-2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken before serving.
Notes
- Perfectly sear chicken by slicing into thin, even strips to ensure quick and uniform cooking with maximum flavor absorption.
- Choose high-quality smoked paprika and Italian seasoning to elevate the dish’s aromatic profile and create depth of taste.
- Toasting orzo before adding liquid develops a nutty, rich flavor and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during cooking.
- Fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach add vibrant color, nutritional value, and a burst of freshness to the creamy skillet meal.
- Heavy cream and basil pesto transform the simple skillet into a luxurious, restaurant-worthy dish with minimal additional effort.
- One-pan cooking method reduces cleanup and allows ingredients to blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious and comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 455 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg