Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

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Golden-seared chicken breasts, rich cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender orzo come together in one irresistible dish that feels like a five-star dinner—but made right in your kitchen. This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is the kind of recipe that satisfies every craving: comforting, creamy, savory, and just a little bit indulgent.

Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner or simply treating yourself to something special on a weeknight, this dish makes a beautiful presentation with minimal effort. The flavors are deep, the textures are creamy and tender, and it’s all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. That’s the magic of a one-skillet creamy chicken pasta dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

This dish is more than just a pasta meal; it’s a cozy comfort food that feels elevated yet accessible. The sun-dried tomatoes bring bold, tangy-sweet flavor that balances perfectly with the creamy sauce, while spinach adds a fresh bite and color. Plus, using orzo instead of traditional pasta gives it a slightly different texture—more like a creamy risotto, but with half the effort.

You’ll also appreciate how versatile this meal is. Serve it for date night, meal prep it for the week, or whip it up when you want something impressive on the table in under 40 minutes. One pan, zero stress, maximum flavor.

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What Kind of Orzo Should I Use?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor beautifully. For this recipe, regular orzo made from durum wheat is ideal. Avoid whole wheat orzo for this dish, as it may alter the creamy texture and soak up too much liquid.

If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free orzo variety, just be mindful of the cooking time and liquid ratio. Always check the package instructions, but make sure to simmer until the orzo is just tender and the sauce is silky.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Each ingredient in this dish has a purpose, helping to build layers of flavor and creamy texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breasts: Lean, protein-packed, and perfect for searing to golden perfection.
• Orzo pasta: The star of the dish, offering a risotto-like texture that soaks up the creamy sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds concentrated tangy-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream and herbs.
• Fresh spinach: Provides color, nutrients, and a fresh contrast to the richness.
• Heavy cream: The base of our luscious sauce, creating that velvety texture.
• Chicken broth: Infuses savory depth and helps cook the orzo.
• Garlic: Always essential for aromatics and punch.
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic.
• Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for umami and saltiness.
• Salt & pepper: To season and balance the flavors.
• Italian seasoning: Adds those comforting, familiar herbal notes.

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How To Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add a touch more olive oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for a minute or two.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Pour in the orzo and toast it lightly in the pan for extra flavor. Then add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir frequently, letting the orzo absorb the broth.

Step 4: Add Cream and Spinach

Once the orzo is nearly tender, pour in the heavy cream and toss in the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything becomes creamy.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Chicken

Lower the heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Slice the chicken and place it back on top. Let everything simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.

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How to Serve and Store Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

This rich and creamy orzo dish is best served hot right from the skillet, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like thyme or basil. It makes an excellent main course for dinner and can easily feed 4 people generously.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce, and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce can separate when thawed.

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What to Serve With Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is a perfect companion to soak up the creamy sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness.

Roasted Asparagus

Adds a bright, earthy flavor and a bit of crunch.

Steamed Broccoli

Simple, healthy, and perfect for pairing with creamy pasta.

Grilled Zucchini

Lightly charred veggies offer a smoky contrast.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil add an Italian-inspired freshness.

White Wine

A chilled glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy elements beautifully.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can swap them with cherry tomatoes, though the flavor will be fresher and less concentrated. Roast them first for better results.

Can I use a different pasta?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can work, but orzo gives the creamiest texture and even cooking.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a bit of extra chicken broth or cream until your desired consistency is reached.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra herbs or some heat? Did you swap the spinach for kale?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier.

→ Find more recipes on my Pinterest: Life With Livia Recipes

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Conclusion

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is the kind of dish that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. With its savory golden chicken, luscious sauce, and rich pasta base, it hits every note of comfort and elegance. Plus, it comes together in one pan, making it a go-to recipe when you want something easy but impressive. Give it a try and see just how quickly it becomes a household favorite.

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