Description
Tender, cubed chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with hearty orzo pasta and fresh spinach. This one-pan skillet dinner combines savory Italian seasoning, garlic, and paprika with creamy coconut milk or heavy cream to create a cozy, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 4–5 Cloves Garlic, mashed
- ¾ Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, packed in oil and drained
- 2 Teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 Teaspoons Paprika
- ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Pasta and Liquid
- 1 Cup Orzo
- 2 ¾ Cups Chicken Broth or Water
- ¾ Cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream
Greens and Cheese
- 2 Large Handfuls Fresh Spinach
- ¾ Cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and slice them into cubes. Set aside while you prepare the skillet.
- Heat the Oil: Heat a skillet over medium heat on the stove and add the olive oil until it is hot.
- Cook Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges start to brown and cook through.
- Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Add sun-dried tomatoes, mashed garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and pour in the chicken broth or water. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 12 minutes. Remove the cover every few minutes to stir, ensuring the orzo does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Add Coconut Milk and Spinach: Once the orzo is cooked through and tender, stir in the full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream along with fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts.
- Finish with Parmesan: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir well to combine and create a creamy sauce.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, serve immediately, and enjoy this comforting skillet dinner.
Notes
- Using full-fat coconut milk keeps the dish dairy-free; substitute heavy cream for a richer flavor if dairy is not a concern.
- Stir the orzo frequently during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add deeper flavor; drain before adding to the skillet.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad for a complete meal.