Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, but orzo delivers that wonderful creamy, risotto-like finish in a fraction of the time. Small shapes like ditalini or mini shells will work, but cooking times may vary.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the regular orzo for a gluten-free alternative, or even try it with cooked rice. Adjust liquid and cook time as needed.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers, jarred artichokes, or even a spoonful of tomato paste with a little extra garlic can offer similar sweet-savory notes.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream is ideal for silkiness and flavor, but you can use evaporated milk or half-and-half. Milk alone won’t be quite as rich, but a pat of butter mixed in at the end helps boost the creaminess.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo Recipe

Name: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup orzo, uncooked; 2 cups chicken stock; ¼ tsp salt; 4 oz fresh spinach; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp dried basil; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 2 tbsp grated parmesan

Let’s talk about a recipe that checks every box: weeknight-friendly, taste-bud-tingling, and oh-so comforting. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a true hidden gem—a one-pan wonder where succulent chicken meets plump orzo pasta, all bathed in a rich, sun-dried tomato and spinach-flecked sauce. This dish isn’t just easy to whip up in half an hour; it also delivers layers of flavor and a creamy, dreamy texture that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this is one of those simple recipes that makes dinner feel special, without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Weeknight Magic: This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and uses just one pan—less mess, more deliciousness!
Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and a subtly spiced, creamy sauce is an instant mood-booster.
Versatile: Easily customize with your favorite veggies or swap proteins to match your cravings.
Satisfying & Comforting: Orzo soaks up every bit of rich flavor, creating a meal that’s both hearty and luxurious.
Minimal Prep: Most ingredients are pantry staples, and the few extras come together without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting everything ready is simple—here’s what you’ll need, and why each ingredient matters:

Chicken Breast Tenderloins: Delivers quick-cooking, juicy bites. If you use regular breasts, cut them into strips for even cooking.
Olive Oil: Essential for searing the chicken to golden-brown perfection and for starting the flavor base.
Paprika: Brings gentle warmth and depth to the chicken.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a balanced herbal kick – don’t skip it!
Salt and Black Pepper: Foundational seasonings that make all the other flavors pop.
Garlic: Five cloves might sound like a lot, but trust me, its fragrant punch is what builds the sauce’s savory power.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped and vibrant, they bring tang, chewiness, and a sweet-tart backdrop that’s irresistible.
Orzo: The perfect pasta for soaking up the sauce and giving a risotto-like creaminess, but so much faster to cook.
Chicken Stock: Infuses the orzo with flavor as it cooks – water just won’t give the same depth.
Fresh Spinach: Wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding color, nutrition, and a gentle earthy note.
Heavy Cream: Delivers essential creaminess and richness; it’s what makes that sauce so luxurious.
Dried Basil: Enhances the herbal profile and pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a hint of heat—use more or less to match your spice preference.
Grated Parmesan: Tossed in at the end for savory, cheesy bliss and a silky sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Trying something new is half the fun! Here are some delicious tweaks and swaps:

Swap the Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs (for even more juiciness) or leftover roast chicken both work beautifully. Or try shrimp for a seafood spin.
Go Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and bump up the spinach or add mushrooms and zucchini for a meat-free dinner.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and skip the parmesan or sub with nutritional yeast.
Different Greens: Baby kale or arugula can replace spinach, stirring in just before serving for extra color and nutrition.
Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed bell peppers or peas for a burst of color and sweetness.

How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken tenderloins generously with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through—about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Build Your Sauce Base

Add a splash more olive oil to the same pan. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing 1-2 minutes until fragrant and just softened. This step infuses the oil with irresistible flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo

Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet, stirring so it’s coated in all those wonderful pan flavors. Pour in the chicken stock and a pinch more salt, scraping up any browned bits (a goldmine of flavor!). Let the orzo simmer uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Creamy Finish

Reduce heat to low and stir in fresh spinach, letting it wilt into the orzo. Add heavy cream, dried basil, and red pepper flakes, then cook gently, just until everything is creamy and the spinach is tender.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them back to the skillet, along with the grated parmesan. Give everything a final stir, letting the cheese melt and the sauce thicken slightly. Taste and adjust your seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the creamy orzo hot from the pan, with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and a crack of pepper if you’re feeling fancy.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Rush the Chicken: That initial sear is where loads of flavor develops—let it get golden!
Use High-Quality Sundried Tomatoes: They’re the hero of this dish. Opt for tomatoes packed in olive oil, for the best depth.
Stir the Orzo Frequently: Prevent sticking and achieve perfect, creamy texture by stirring every few minutes as it cooks.
Taste at the End: Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes can be salty, so check before adding any extra salt.
For Extra Creaminess: Add an extra splash of cream or a pat of butter just before serving.

How to Serve

This dish is truly an all-in-one dinner, but a little garnish goes a long way. Top with extra parmesan, freshly cracked pepper, or chopped basil for a burst of freshness. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce.

Pairing suggestion: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the dish’s richness and tangy notes perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making it an ideal meal-prep pick.

Freezing

While the cream-based sauce can separate slightly after freezing, it’s still tasty. If you plan to freeze, do so before adding the cream and parmesan. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently, finishing with the cream and cheese when serving.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce as the orzo soaks up more liquid over time. Quick zap in the microwave works too—just stir halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, but orzo delivers that wonderful creamy, risotto-like finish in a fraction of the time. Small shapes like ditalini or mini shells will work, but cooking times may vary.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the regular orzo for a gluten-free alternative, or even try it with cooked rice. Adjust liquid and cook time as needed.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers, jarred artichokes, or even a spoonful of tomato paste with a little extra garlic can offer similar sweet-savory notes.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream is ideal for silkiness and flavor, but you can use evaporated milk or half-and-half. Milk alone won’t be quite as rich, but a pat of butter mixed in at the end helps boost the creaminess.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is that rare kind of recipe—quick enough for any night, yet special enough to crave again and again. Each bite is a symphony of savory chicken, sweet-tart tomatoes, and velvety sauce, tied together with tender orzo and finished with the freshness of spinach and basil. If you’re looking to make dinnertime delicious (and easy!), this is the recipe to try next. Grab your skillet and get cooking; this one’s destined to become a new favorite!