If you are looking for a vibrant, comforting meal to brighten up any day, this Creamy Chicken Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Imagine tender chicken breasts seasoned perfectly and nestled in a luscious bed of orzo pasta, all enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce bursting with sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s a dish that’s not only easy to make but also packed with freshness, warmth, and a touch of elegance—perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each has a crucial role. They come together beautifully to give you that inviting texture, robust flavor, and vibrant color that make this dish so memorable.
- Chicken, 1.5 lb skinless, boneless breasts: Provides a tender, protein-packed base that soaks up all the wonderful seasoning.
- Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon: Adds a warm, smoky flavor that enhances the mildness of the chicken.
- Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon: A fragrant herb blend that brings aromatic depth.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating all the natural flavors.
- Olive oil, 3 tablespoons: Used for sautéing, it adds richness and helps create that golden crust on the chicken.
- Orzo, 1 cup (uncooked): A delightful pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Garlic, 5 cloves minced: Gives a robust, savory aroma that’s hard to resist.
- Cherry tomatoes, 10 oz, sliced in half: Adds bursts of sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Chicken stock, 2 cups: The flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the orzo while it simmers.
- Salt, ¼ teaspoon: To season the orzo and bring out the ingredients’ natural tastes.
- Fresh spinach, 5 oz: Brightens the dish with vibrant greenery and subtle earthiness.
- Heavy cream, ½ cup: Creates that silky, decadent texture that makes this recipe feel like a special treat.
- Basil pesto, ¼ cup: Adds an herby, garlicky punch that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by coating your chicken breasts with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This simple mix will give your chicken a flavorful foundation, ensuring every bite is infused with that irresistible savory warmth.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook them until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside; keeping the pot warm with those lingering flavors is key for the next steps.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same pot, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté just until the garlic turns fragrant and lightly golden—this releases the aroma and sets a savory base for the orzo without overpowering the other ingredients.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
Add the orzo, chicken stock, and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then let the orzo simmer, absorbing that rich broth while softening to tender perfection. This step transforms simple pasta into the heart of the dish.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Tomatoes, and Spinach
Stir the cooked chicken back into the pot along with the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Let everything cook together until the orzo is fully tender and the spinach wilts down. The tomatoes become juicy and sweet while the spinach adds refreshing color and nutrients.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Pesto
Finally, pour in the heavy cream and basil pesto. Stir vigorously to combine and create a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to every morsel of orzo and chicken. This layering of textures and flavors is what makes the Creamy Chicken Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few torn basil leaves on top right before serving. These simple additions bring out herbal brightness and a subtle salty bite, enhancing the dish’s overall presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to serve it alongside something, a crisp green salad or garlic bread complements the creamy richness perfectly. Simple roasted vegetables also add a lovely variety in texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or a more elegant touch, try serving this dish in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few cherry tomato halves for color contrast. You can even arrange slices of grilled lemon on the side to add a zesty, fresh option for guests who want a burst of brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The orzo will continue to absorb moisture, so it’s best eaten within 2-3 days for maximum freshness and creaminess.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the creamy sauce and spinach may change slightly. If you choose to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Creamy Chicken Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe gently on the stove with a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too, but be sure to stir occasionally for even heat distribution.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is ideal for its small, rice-like shape and quick cooking time, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even couscous for a slightly different texture.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes. Swap the heavy cream with a coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and replace basil pesto with a dairy-free pesto version to keep the dish creamy and flavorful without dairy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Chicken thighs provide more juiciness and a richer flavor, but just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly until they are fully cooked through.
How do I know when the orzo is perfectly cooked?
Orzo should be tender yet with a slight bite to it—think al dente. Taste testing after about 9-10 minutes of simmering will tell you if it needs more time.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Adding extra mushrooms or chickpeas can boost the protein and texture for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Creamy Chicken Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe; it brings comfort, color, and rich flavor to your table with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this dish will quickly become one of your favorite kitchen go-tos. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the delicious warmth it offers!
Print
Creamy Chicken Orzo with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A creamy and flavorful Chicken Orzo recipe featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed with smoked paprika and Italian seasoning, combined with garlic, cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich blend of heavy cream and basil pesto for a comforting one-pot meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Orzo and Vegetables
- 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 oz fresh spinach
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup basil pesto
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Combine the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated for a flavorful base.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot over medium heat and cook the seasoned chicken breasts until they are cooked through and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook the orzo: Add the uncooked orzo, chicken stock, and salt to the pot, then bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add vegetables and chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken (sliced or shredded as preferred), cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Cook until the orzo is tender and spinach is wilted, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with cream and pesto: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto, mixing well to create a creamy, flavorful sauce. Heat through for 2-3 minutes without boiling. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can shred the cooked chicken or slice it into bite-sized pieces before adding it back into the pot.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
