Description
Savory chicken orzo skillet blends Mediterranean flavors with hearty comfort. Home cooks can quickly prepare this one-pan meal that delivers rich, satisfying taste sensations you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts, skinless, boneless
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup orzo, uncooked
- 10 oz (284 g) cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 5 oz (142 g) fresh spinach
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- 3 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Create a robust spice blend using smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper, then coat chicken strips evenly for maximum flavor infusion.
- Chicken Searing: Heat skillet with olive oil over medium flame, cook chicken strips for 3 minutes per side until golden-brown, then set aside to maintain moisture and warmth.
- Orzo Foundation: In the same skillet, toast orzo and minced garlic with olive oil until pasta turns light golden, developing a rich, nutty undertone.
- Liquid Integration: Pour chicken stock into skillet, add half the cherry tomatoes and salt, bringing mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 7-9 minutes until orzo reaches al dente texture.
- Vegetable Incorporation: Fold in spinach leaves and remaining cherry tomatoes, allowing greens to wilt and tomatoes to soften, creating a vibrant, fresh layer of flavor.
- Sauce Development: Introduce heavy cream and basil pesto, stirring to generate a luxurious, silky sauce that elegantly coats orzo and vegetables.
- Final Assembly: Return seared chicken to skillet, nestling strips into creamy mixture, simmering for 2-3 minutes to ensure complete heating and flavor melding.
- Resting Phase: Remove from heat, let skillet rest 1-2 minutes to allow sauce to slightly thicken and flavors to harmonize before serving.
Notes
- Slice with Precision: Cut chicken into uniform, thin strips for consistent cooking and even seasoning distribution.
- Season Generously: Use a bold spice blend to create a deeply flavorful and aromatic chicken exterior that elevates the entire dish.
- Prevent Sticking: Stir orzo frequently during simmering to avoid clumping and ensure a perfectly textured pasta base.
- Rest and Meld: Allow the skillet to rest briefly after cooking, letting flavors harmonize and sauce reach ideal creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 522
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 592 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 102 mg