This Creamy Chicken Orzo dish is packed with tender chicken, bright cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all stirred together with flavorful basil pesto. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Honestly, who can resist a creamy meal that comes together so easily? I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Orzo pasta: This tiny pasta works well for a creamy dish like this. If you don’t have orzo, you can swap it for other small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or even rice. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is a favorite for its lean meat. You could also use thighs for more flavor or even a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Heavy cream: The cream adds richness, but if you’re watching calories, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk. For dairy-free, opt for coconut cream or a nut milk, though it may change the flavor slightly.
Basil pesto: This gives a fresh and herby flavor. If you don’t have pesto, you can use chopped fresh basil, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist. Store-bought or homemade works great!
How Do I Cook the Orzo to Perfection?
The orzo cook time is crucial for getting that creamy texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with boiling chicken broth for great flavor. If you use water, add a bit more seasoning to compensate.
- Add the orzo and stir. Keep an eye on it as it cooks for about 10-12 minutes—stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once it’s al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, you can stir in the cream and pesto. This will give it that creamy sauce you want.
Remember, it’s better to have a little broth left than to let it dry out too much! Adjust cooking time based on your pasta’s package instructions if needed.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo With Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes, And Basil Pesto
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy chicken orzo dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes chopping and cooking the chicken and pasta, then mixing everything together for a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While it’s heating, season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is well browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden. This will add a lovely flavor to the dish!
3. Cook the Orzo:
Next, add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir it around to coat it in the garlic and oil. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo becomes tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
4. Make It Creamy:
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto. Mix well until everything is combined and creamy. This will make your dish rich and delicious!
5. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Now, add the fresh spinach and halved cherry tomatoes into the orzo mix. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften nicely.
6. Combine Everything:
Finally, return the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Gently mix everything together to heat through. Make sure all the flavors are melded together beautifully.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Serve your creamy chicken orzo in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra treat. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute the Orzo with Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or even rice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose, keeping an eye on the liquid absorption as well.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, or use a mix of milk and cornstarch (1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon cornstarch) for a creamy texture. If you’re looking to make it healthier, Greek yogurt can also work as a substitute; just stir it in at the end and heat gently to avoid curdling.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the orzo to ensure they’re tender—this will enhance the flavor of the dish!
