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Creamy Chicken Orzo with Spinach and Tomatoes

A delightful one-pot dish featuring tender orzo pasta simmered in a rich and creamy sauce with chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 475

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly toasted.
  4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
  5. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, cooked chicken, and fresh spinach. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For added texture, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest before serving. Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker alternative.