High Protein

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Name: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced; 1 cup (200g) orzo pasta; 0.5 cup (75g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth; 0.5 cup (120ml) heavy cream; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano

Recipe guide: Nora Bennett

DifficultyEasy

Prep time10 min

Cooking time30 min

Total time40 min

Servings4 servings

Jump to Recipe

Cooking pasta directly in seasoned broth builds a naturally silky base, allowing the orzo to release its starches as it softens. When paired with browned chicken, fragrant garlic, and tart sun-dried tomatoes, the entire skillet comes together into a cohesive, velvety dinner. The addition of heavy cream at the very end melds everything into a rich sauce that clings to every grain of pasta without feeling heavy.

Why this one works

Cooking the orzo directly in chicken broth creates a deeply flavorful, starch-thickened sauce.
Browning the chicken first leaves flavorful fond in the skillet that enriches the garlic and tomatoes.
Sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated sweetness and a subtle tang to balance the cream.
Everything finishes in one pan, keeping cleanup simple and dinner streamlined.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo close-up

Ingredients

What you’ll need

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced Cut into uniform bite-sized pieces so the chicken browns quickly and stays tender without overcooking.
1 cup (200g) orzo pasta Added dry to the pan to absorb the seasoned broth directly as it simmers.
0.5 cup (75g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped Chopping them into small strips ensures their rich, concentrated flavor distributes evenly through the pasta.
2 cups (480ml) chicken broth Serves as the liquid base for cooking the orzo, infusing savory flavor right into the grains.
0.5 cup (120ml) heavy cream Stirred in at the end to turn the absorbed broth into a smooth, velvety sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced Gently sautéed in the pan drippings until fragrant before adding the liquid.
1 tsp dried oregano Adds a warm, earthy herbal note that complements the sweet-tart tomatoes.

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Equipment

What to have nearby

Large skillet or sauté pan
Chef's knife and cutting board
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Tongs

Quick overview

Prep

10 min

Cook

30 min

Total

40 min

Serves

4 servings

Method

Step-by-step instructions

Keep your skillet over medium heat to achieve a good sear on the chicken without burning the pan bottom. Once the meat is set aside, the garlic and tomatoes quickly soften in the residual heat before the broth and orzo go in to simmer gently.

1
Step 1
Sear chicken in a large skillet until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2
Step 2
In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
3
Step 3
Add orzo, broth, and oregano. Simmer until liquid is absorbed and pasta is tender.
4
Step 4
Stir in cream and chicken. Heat until the sauce is thickened and velvety.
5
Step 5
Serve immediately while warm.

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Helpful details

A few things worth knowing

Let the chicken sit undisturbed for the first couple of minutes in the hot skillet so it develops a nice golden crust.
Stir the orzo occasionally while it simmers to keep the grains from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Keep the simmer gentle so the pasta cooks through at the same rate the broth is absorbed.
Add the heavy cream over low heat and fold gently to integrate the sauce without breaking it.

Variations

Ways to make it your own

Garnish with a handful of fresh baby spinach folded in during the last minute of cooking until just wilted.
Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper or finely grated Parmesan over the top just before serving.

Serving

Serving suggestions

This creamy skillet dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula or mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Warm crusty bread or focaccia also works well for catching any leftover velvety sauce on the plate.

Storage

Storage & reheating

Store any leftover orzo and chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because orzo continues to absorb liquid as it sits, warm leftovers gently over low heat with an extra splash of broth or water to restore the sauce's creamy consistency.

Recipe information

Nutrition notes

Nutrition is provided as a general estimate for the listed recipe. Brands, exact portions, and ingredient swaps can change the numbers.

Calories

450 kcal

Protein

32g

Fat

18g

Carbohydrates

40g

Fiber

Frequently asked

Quick recipe answers

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?+

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be diced and seared using the same method, though they may take an extra minute or two to brown properly.

What if the broth evaporates before the orzo is tender?+

If the skillet runs dry while the pasta still has a bite, splash in a few tablespoons of warm broth or water, cover briefly, and continue simmering until tender.

Should I rinse the orzo before adding it?+

No, keep the orzo dry. The surface starches are essential for helping thicken the broth and cream into a smooth sauce.

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Final note

With its balance of tender chicken, savory orzo, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes in a rich cream sauce, this skillet meal makes for a comforting, satisfying weeknight dinner.

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