If you’re like me, you can’t get enough of orzo, and this creamy chicken and sundried tomato orzo recipe is just what you need to satisfy that craving! The combination of tender chicken, zesty sundried tomatoes, and the rich creaminess of cream cheese makes for a comforting dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Plus, it’s packed with protein, making it a great meal for lunch or dinner! Ready to dive in? Let’s make this irresistible dish!
Method
Cook the chicken and veggies
Begin by heating a little oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, red onion, and sundried tomatoes. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink, turning it occasionally for even cooking. The onion should soften and become translucent, and the sundried tomatoes will begin to release their flavor into the mix. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well combined. This should take around 7-10 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, it’s time for the next step.
Season and add the orzo
Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, it’s time to bring the flavor to the next level. Sprinkle in the garlic Italian seasoning and mixed herbs, stirring well to coat the chicken and veggies with the spices. The tomato purée is then added to the pan and stirred in, ensuring that it evenly coats everything for a rich, tangy flavor. At this point, pour in the uncooked orzo and mix it into the pan with the chicken and vegetables. Dissolve the chicken stock cube in enough water to cover the ingredients, and pour this liquid into the pan. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer the orzo
Allow the pan to simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. As the orzo cooks, it will begin to absorb the liquid, so it’s important to keep an eye on it. Add more boiling water from the kettle as needed to ensure the orzo has enough liquid to absorb. Stir the mixture occasionally to make sure everything is cooking evenly and that the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. The goal is to cook the orzo until it’s tender and fully absorbed the flavors, which should take around 10 minutes.
Add creaminess
As the orzo becomes tender, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese. The cream cheese will melt into the mixture, making it smooth and creamy. Keep stirring for a few minutes to ensure that the cream cheese is evenly distributed and the orzo becomes deliciously creamy. The creamy consistency should envelop the orzo, chicken, and sundried tomatoes, creating a rich and indulgent dish. Let it cook for a couple of extra minutes to allow everything to come together. Once the dish is creamy and the orzo is cooked to your liking, it’s ready to be served!
Necessary Tools
- Large pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Kettle (for boiling water)
- Knife and chopping board
Creamy Chicken and Sundried Tomato Orzo A Flavorful Dish You’ll Keep Coming Back To
Cuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutesIngredients
1 red onion, finely diced
2 chicken breasts, diced (300g raw weight)
80g sundried tomatoes
1 tbsp garlic Italian seasoning
1 tbsp mixed herbs
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 chicken stock cube + water
150g orzo
90g cream cheese
Directions
- Cook the chicken and veggies In a large pan, fry the diced chicken, onion, and sundried tomatoes until the chicken is cooked through and the onion is softened.
- Season and add the orzo Once everything’s cooked, sprinkle in the garlic Italian seasoning and mixed herbs, then stir in the tomato purée. Add the orzo to the pan and pour in the chicken stock cube dissolved in enough water to cover the ingredients.
- Simmer the orzo Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes. As the orzo absorbs the liquid, keep adding more boiling water from the kettle to ensure the orzo cooks evenly.
- Add creaminess Once the orzo is tender, stir in the cream cheese for the final few minutes to make it creamy and delicious!
Notes
- Be careful not to let the orzo cook too quickly without enough liquid. Keep adding boiling water gradually, as orzo tends to absorb liquid fast!
- Stir frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the heat as needed to keep the dish simmering gently rather than boiling too hard.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for extra freshness.
- Pair it with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the creamy goodness.
- You can also top it off with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost.
Fun Fact
Orzo, while often mistaken for rice, is actually a type of pasta! Its name comes from the Italian word for “barley” because of its shape, but it’s just as versatile and delicious as other pasta types.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken and sundried tomato orzo is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s packed with protein, flavor, and a little bit of indulgence. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing with a friend, this recipe will definitely leave you craving more. So, grab your ingredients and give this dish a try you won’t regret it!
