Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Are you on the hunt for a spectacular midweek meal that is both exceptionally tasty and remarkably easy to put together? A dish that feels special enough for guests, yet comes together in a single pan, saving you a tedious clean-up? If so, we have just the thing. Allow us to introduce our rich, comforting, and completely irresistible Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s pure comfort food, blending tender chicken, intensely flavourful sun-dried tomatoes, and delicate orzo pasta in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. We guarantee it’s a meal that will have everyone coming back for more.

Why We Adore This Creamy Chicken Orzo Recipe

For us, the finest recipes deliver outstanding flavour without demanding hours of effort, and this dish is a shining example of that philosophy. It has deservedly earned its place as a regular feature on our dinner tables, and we’re certain it will on yours, too. Here is exactly why we love it:

• One-Pot Perfection: From searing the chicken to simmering the pasta, every step happens in one pan. This not only simplifies the cooking process but, crucially, makes washing up an absolute breeze. It is the very essence of a brilliant one-pot chicken orzo.
• Incredible Depth of Flavour: The masterful blend of sweet sun-dried tomatoes, savoury chicken, aromatic garlic, and rich parmesan cheese creates a layered, complex taste that seems as if it has been developing for hours.
• Perfect for Any Night of the Week: This dish is speedy enough for a hectic Tuesday evening yet feels elegant enough for a Friday night indulgence. We find it’s the ideal choice when you want proper comfort food without the lengthy cooking, making it our ultimate easy weeknight dinner.
• A True Crowd-Pleaser: Whether we are cooking for our families, partners, or hosting friends, this dish consistently receives rave reviews. Its creamy texture and sophisticated flavours are loved by all ages.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before we jump into the cooking, let’s get all our components organised. We always find that using high-quality ingredients is the secret to unlocking the best possible flavour. We particularly recommend opting for sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil, as the oil itself is wonderfully infused and forms a fantastic base for our sauce.

• For the Chicken:
  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 600g), sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
• For the Sauce and Orzo:
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 150g sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and roughly chopped (reserve 1 tbsp of the oil)
  • 300g orzo pasta, uncooked
  • 1 litre chicken stock, hot
  • 150ml double cream
  • 80g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 150g fresh spinach
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Masterpiece

Now, let’s get to the enjoyable part! We have outlined the entire method in simple, straightforward steps. Follow along with us, and you will have a sensational meal on the table in no time. Find a large, deep skillet or a shallow casserole dish, and let’s begin.

1. 1. Preparing and Cooking the Chicken

   First things first, we’ll season the chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, tossing until every piece is well-coated. Warm the olive oil in your pan over a medium-high heat. Once it glistens, place the chicken in the pan in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd it—it’s best to cook in batches if needed. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until it achieves a lovely golden-brown colour and is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside for later.

2. 2. Sautéing the Aromatics

   Turn the heat down to medium and melt the butter with the reserved tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in the same pan. Those browned bits left behind by the chicken are packed with flavour and will enrich our sauce beautifully. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until it has softened and turned translucent. Now, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and continue to cook for one more minute until the garlic releases its wonderful aroma, stirring constantly so it doesn’t catch.

3. 3. Toasting the Orzo and Building the Sauce

   Add the dry orzo straight into the pan with the onions and aromatics. Stir everything together to coat the pasta in all those delightful flavours and allow it to toast for a minute or so. We find this simple step really enhances the orzo’s nutty character. Next, pour in the hot chicken stock. Give it all a thorough stir, making sure you scrape up any caramelised bits from the bottom. Bring the whole mixture to a simmer.

4. 4. Cooking the Orzo to Perfection

   As soon as it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the orzo cook for approximately 10-12 minutes. We recommend stirring it every few minutes to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan’s base. The orzo is perfectly cooked when it’s tender and has soaked up the majority of the liquid, though the dish should still have a slightly saucy consistency.

5. 5. Bringing It All Together

   Remove the pan from the heat. Pour in the double cream and stir through the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky and smooth. Gently reintroduce the cooked chicken to the pan. To finish, add the fresh spinach and stir it through the hot orzo until it has completely wilted, which should only take a moment. Have a quick taste and add a little more salt and pepper if you feel it needs it. Your incredible sun-dried tomato pasta is now ready to be served!

Watch How It’s Made: A Visual Guide

For those of us who are visual learners, watching a recipe come to life can be a great help. This video offers a brilliant step-by-step demonstration of how to create this creamy, dreamy meal, making it ideal for both novice cooks and experienced chefs.

Top Tips for the Best Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

To help you achieve flawless results every single time, we have gathered a few of our most valued tips and tricks from our own kitchen experiences.

• Don’t Skip Searing: Achieving a beautiful golden-brown crust on the chicken is essential for developing a deep flavour. This step also seals in the juices, ensuring the chicken remains succulent and tender.
• Fresh is Best: Although pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, we strongly suggest grating your own from a block. It melts into sauces far more smoothly and delivers a noticeably richer, more authentic flavour.
• Control the Creaminess: If you find the sauce has thickened a bit too much once the orzo is cooked, don’t worry. Simply stir in an extra splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen it until it reaches your preferred consistency.
• Deglaze for Flavour: As you pour in the chicken stock, use your spoon to scrape up the tasty, caramelised bits that have formed on the bottom of the pan. This technique, known as deglazing, unlocks a huge amount of hidden flavour!
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the finished dish to sit off the heat for a couple of minutes before you serve it. This brief rest lets the sauce thicken slightly and allows all the wonderful flavours to meld together perfectly.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the greatest attributes of this chicken orzo recipe is just how versatile it is. We encourage you to get creative and put your own spin on it! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Make it Spicy: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add half a teaspoon of red chilli flakes at the same time as the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Protein Swaps: This dish is equally delicious with different proteins. Consider swapping the chicken for juicy king prawns (add them near the end of cooking) or some crumbled Italian sausage (brown it right at the start).
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or chopped courgettes would all be wonderful additions. Just stir them in along with the onions.
• Go Vegetarian: To create a meat-free version, simply leave out the chicken and use a good-quality vegetable stock. You could add a can of cannellini beans or chickpeas for a protein boost. If you love rich and comforting chicken dishes, you might also enjoy The Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe.

What to Serve with Your Chicken Orzo

This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a wonderfully complete meal all on its own, but if you fancy serving it with a little something on the side, we have a few suggestions that work beautifully:

• Crusty Garlic Bread: This is the perfect companion for soaking up every last bit of that divine, creamy sauce.
• A Simple Green Salad: A bowl of fresh leaves tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette offers a lovely, light contrast to the richness of the main dish.
• Steamed or Roasted Greens: A side of tenderstem broccoli, asparagus spears, or green beans provides a welcome pop of colour and a pleasing texture.

For anyone who adores comforting chicken and pasta combinations, we also highly recommend you take a look at The Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe for another superb weeknight dinner idea.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What exactly is orzo?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta. Despite its appearance, it’s made from durum wheat flour, just like spaghetti or penne. Its diminutive size makes it fantastic for absorbing flavours in one-pot meals, as well as being a great addition to soups and salads. For more detail on this versatile pasta, we recommend this guide from BBC Good Food.

Can I use milk instead of double cream?

While you can substitute milk, it will create a thinner and less decadent sauce. If you decide to use milk, we’d advise mixing a teaspoon of cornflour into a little of the cold milk before adding it to the pan to help it thicken. However, for that truly luxurious, creamy finish, we really do find that double cream gives the best results.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. As it cools, the orzo will continue to absorb the sauce. To reheat, we suggest placing it in a saucepan over a low heat with an extra splash of chicken stock, milk, or water. This will help loosen the sauce and restore its original creamy texture. Stir gently until it’s heated all the way through.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace the standard orzo with a gluten-free variety or another small, gluten-free pasta shape. You will also need to ensure that your chicken stock is certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo?

We generally advise against freezing this particular dish. Sauces made with cream can often split or become grainy when they are reheated, and the texture of the cooked orzo may turn overly soft. This is a meal that is definitely at its best when enjoyed fresh.

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Weeknight Meal

So there you have it—our complete guide to making what we believe is the most wonderful creamy chicken pasta. This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo strikes the perfect balance between simplicity, elegance, and pure, comforting satisfaction. It’s a true one-pot hero that demonstrates you don’t need a lot of time or fuss to produce a meal that feels genuinely special.

We are so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the delight it brings. It’s a dish made for sharing, creating warm and happy memories around the dinner table. So, why not give it a try this week?

We would love to hear how you get on, so please let us know in the comments below. Did you try any of our variations? We always enjoy hearing from you! If you loved this recipe, please consider sharing it with a friend who might be looking for some delicious dinner inspiration.