Description
A quick, one-pot dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs, orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich creamy sauce, perfect for outdoor cooking or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1.5 cups (270g) dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 0.5 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 0.5 cup (80g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (plus oil from jar)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium shallot, finely diced
- 2 cups (60g) fresh baby spinach
- 0.5 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon juice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken cubes in a single layer for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until done (165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add diced shallots to the pan and cook until translucent (1-2 minutes). Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes (with oil), stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil, then stir in dry orzo.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Return chicken to the pan along with any juices. Add spinach and Parmesan cheese, stirring until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcook the orzo as it continues to cook in residual heat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or pasta water. If using chicken breast, cut into small uniform cubes and monitor cooking time closely to prevent drying out. This recipe does not freeze well due to the cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1.5 cups
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 60
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
Keywords: one-pot meal, creamy chicken orzo, quick dinner, outdoor cooking, weeknight dinner, easy pasta, chicken thighs recipe