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The Creamiest Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

The Creamiest Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s packed with creamy goodness, tender chicken, and rich sun-dried tomatoes. The orzo, a small pasta that resembles rice, soaks up all the creamy sauce, making every bite bursting with flavor.

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • - Medium pot for cooking orzo
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • - Wooden spoon or spatula
  • - Tongs (optional, for cooking chicken)

Ingredients
  

  • #### For the Chicken
  • - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • - Salt and pepper to taste
  • - 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • #### For the Orzo
  • - 1 cup orzo pasta
  • - 4 cups chicken broth or water
  • #### For the Creamy Sauce
  • - 2 tablespoons butter
  • - 3 cloves garlic minced
  • - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped (packed in oil)
  • - 1 cup heavy cream
  • - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
  • - Salt and pepper to taste
  • - Fresh basil chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • **Cook the Chicken**
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, slice into thin strips.
  • **Cook the Orzo**
  • In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the orzo, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid for later use.
  • **Make the Creamy Sauce**
  • In the same skillet that you used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • **Add the Cream and Cheese**
  • Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • **Combine the Chicken, Orzo, and Sauce**
  • Add the cooked orzo to the skillet with the creamy sauce, stirring gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking liquid to reach your desired consistency. Add the sliced chicken to the pan and toss everything together until well coated.
  • **Serve**
  • Once everything is combined and heated through, serve the orzo in bowls, garnished with fresh chopped basil. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for added richness.