Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

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This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is the kind of meal that makes a busy weeknight feel indulgent. Juicy pieces of seasoned chicken are nestled in creamy, garlic-infused orzo that carries the rich, tangy essence of sun-dried tomatoes. The orzo absorbs every bit of that flavorful sauce, making each bite both comforting and full of personality.

It comes together all in one pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. The orzo cooks right in the same skillet as the chicken and sauce, absorbing the cream, broth, and tomato goodness. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or just want something quick yet special for yourself, this dish fits the bill perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

This recipe nails that balance between rich and refreshing. The sun-dried tomatoes bring bold flavor without overwhelming the dish, while the creamy base makes every bite feel luxurious. It cooks fast, tastes like you spent hours on it, and can be easily doubled for meal prep or leftovers.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work beautifully here. Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and offer more flavor, but breasts cook quicker and slice neatly. Just be sure to cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces for even cooking, and don’t skip seasoning it well before searing.

Ingredients for the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

The ingredients in this dish work together to create a sauce that’s creamy, garlicky, slightly tangy, and incredibly satisfying. You’ll want to use good-quality sun-dried tomatoes for the richest flavor.

  • Chicken breasts or thighs
  • Orzo pasta
  • Sun-dried tomatoes in oil
  • Garlic cloves
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh parsley
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How To Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté minced garlic for a minute. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to infuse the oil.

Step 3: Add Orzo and Broth

Pour in the dry orzo and let it toast slightly in the pan for flavor. Then add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let the orzo cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Once the orzo is nearly cooked, stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan. Add back the cooked chicken along with any juices. Let everything simmer gently until the sauce is thickened.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and more parmesan before serving hot.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Chicken Orzo

This creamy orzo serves about four people generously, and it’s a complete meal on its own. The starch, protein, and richness are all in one skillet. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo?

Garlic Bread

Perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

A crispy, slightly bitter counterpoint to the creamy orzo.

Lemon Arugula Salad

Adds a fresh, peppery balance to the richness.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Sweet and tangy flavors play beautifully with sun-dried tomato.

Steamed Green Beans

Simple and bright to lighten the meal.

White Wine

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc pairs excellently with this creamy dish.

Grilled Zucchini

Smoky charred veggies work well alongside the creamy orzo.

Crispy Prosciutto Chips

Add some salty crunch to top it off or enjoy on the side.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this creamy chicken orzo hits the spot, you might want to explore these satisfying dishes too:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use chicken thighs or breasts? Did you toss in spinach or mushrooms?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better.

Explore beautifully curated dinner recipes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new weeknight favorites! Zoe Recipes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is the definition of simple yet luxurious comfort food. It brings together savory chicken, bold sun-dried tomatoes, and silky orzo in a dish that’s as easy as it is impressive. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself to something cozy, this recipe is bound to become a repeat favorite.

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Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo 1

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo


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  • Author: Zoe Adelson
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken orzo is a one-pan dinner packed with juicy chicken, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy Parmesan orzo. A perfect quick weeknight comfort meal.


Ingredients

2 chicken breasts or thighs

1 cup orzo pasta

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups chicken broth

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley


Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same pan, sauté garlic in a bit of oil until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.

3. Stir in the dry orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

4. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Add the chicken back in along with any juices and simmer until sauce thickens.

5. Finish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Use thighs for juicier meat or breasts for quicker cooking.

If reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Toasted orzo deepens the flavor—don’t skip this step.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 610mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg
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