Description
Indulgent Chicken Orzo Delight blends Mediterranean flavors in one comforting dish. Creamy textures, fresh ingredients, and hearty chicken promise a delightful meal you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 lb (680 grams) chicken fillets, skinless and boneless
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Liquid Base:
- 1 cup (185 grams) uncooked orzo
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) chicken stock
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces (283 grams) cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh spinach
Oil and Flavor Enhancers:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil, divided
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) basil pesto
Additional Seasoning:
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Slice chicken fillets into delicate strips, creating uniform pieces for even cooking. Massage the meat with a robust blend of smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor coverage.
- Ignite a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Carefully lay the seasoned chicken strips, allowing them to develop a golden-brown exterior. Cook precisely 3 minutes per side until achieving a beautiful caramelized finish. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a holding plate.
- In the same skillet, introduce uncooked orzo, minced garlic, and an additional drizzle of olive oil. Toast the orzo gently, stirring continuously until it develops a light, nutty golden hue.
- Pour chicken stock into the skillet, incorporating half the cherry tomatoes and a measured salt sprinkle. Elevate the temperature to create a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Monitor the orzo’s transformation, stirring intermittently until it reaches tender perfection and absorbs most liquid.
- Cascade fresh spinach and remaining cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Fold ingredients together, watching spinach gracefully wilt and integrate with the developing dish.
- Stream heavy cream and basil pesto into the mixture, creating a luxurious, verdant sauce. Stir thoroughly to marry flavors, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Reintroduce the reserved chicken strips, nestling them into the creamy pesto embrace. Simmer gently, ensuring complete heating and flavor melding. Allow the dish to reach a harmonious temperature before serving.
Notes
- Effortlessly transforms basic chicken and orzo into a restaurant-worthy meal packed with vibrant flavors and creamy textures.
- Requires only one skillet, making cleanup minimal and cooking process straightforward for busy home cooks.
- Delivers a balanced nutritional profile with lean protein, whole grains, and fresh vegetables in every delightful bite.
- Select ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh basil pesto for maximum flavor intensity and authentic Mediterranean-inspired taste.
- Perfect for meal prep, as the dish reheats wonderfully and maintains its creamy consistency when stored properly in the refrigerator.
- Adaptable recipe that welcomes creative substitutions like swapping chicken for shrimp or using alternative herbs based on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg