Creamy Italian Chicken Orzo Skillet

Indulge in the ultimate weeknight comfort food with this Creamy Italian Chicken Orzo Skillet—a one-pan wonder that's as hearty as it is flavorful! Juicy, seared chicken breasts are nestled in a luscious, creamy orzo pasta infused with Italian seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Studded with vibrant spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is a perfect balance of rich and fresh flavors. Toasted orzo pasta absorbs a savory chicken broth base, creating a velvety texture that's irresistibly satisfying. Ready in just 45 minutes, this skillet meal not only saves time but also makes cleanup a breeze. Garnished with fresh basil for a bright and fragrant finishing touch, it’s a family-friendly dinner that’s sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 cups dry orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 0.75 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the orzo pasta and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, to lightly brown it.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and let the orzo cook for 8-10 minutes until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 8

Add the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, stirring until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 9

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the chicken.

Step 10

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken cook through, about 5-7 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1975.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3181.0

Total Fat 129.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 59.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 548.7mg	0%
Sodium 5708.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 296.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.9g	0%
Total Sugars 33.8g
Protein 182.7g	0%

Vitamin D 5.7IU	0%
Calcium 855.8mg	0%
Iron 17.8mg	0%
Potassium 4663.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.7%

Protein: 23.7%

Carbs: 38.5%