Description
A cozy, one-skillet meal featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, mingled with al dente orzo.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 to 1.25 lb Chicken breasts (2 medium breasts)
- 1 cup Orzo pasta (dry)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2–3 Garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 pint Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 4 cups fresh Spinach
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Mince the garlic, halve the cherry tomatoes, and measure out the orzo, cream, and Parmesan. Have a cup of chicken broth ready (about 2 to 2.5 cups total needed for cooking the orzo).
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C), about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30-45 seconds. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and release juices, 2-3 minutes. Stir in the orzo and Italian seasoning so the pasta gets coated and toast slightly. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Slice the cooked chicken and nestle it back into the skillet. Let everything warm together for a minute, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.
Notes
Serve garnished with extra grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil or parsley. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 80mg