Chicken Orzo (30-Minutes, One-Pan)

Chicken Orzo (30-Minutes, One-Pan)

from juliasalbum.com
30 min

Creamy chicken orzo is a quick and easy weeknight meal that takes just 30 minutes and you only need one pan. This comforting recipe features lots of veggies (cherry tomatoes and spinach) in a super-flavorful creamy sauce made with basil pesto. Make this simple restaurant-quality chicken dinner at home - and it might become a new family favorite for busy weekdays!

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb chicken breasts (skinless, boneless)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 10 oz cherry tomatoes (sliced in half)
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto

Directions

  1. 1

    Slice chicken breasts into thinner strips. Generously season the chicken with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

  2. 2

    To the same, now empty, skillet, add 1 cup of uncooked orzo, 5 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the orzo on medium heat, stirring, for about 2 minutes until browned.