Lorenzo Devereaux
Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, nestled in a bed of velvety orzo pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce. Every bite is infused with Mediterranean flavors – sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, fresh spinach, and a hint of lemon for brightness. This dish feels like comfort food but with a fresh, vibrant twist.
The orzo soaks up all that creamy goodness, creating a risotto-like texture without the constant stirring. Whether you’re making this for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this one-pan wonder is guaranteed to become a favorite.
What Makes Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo So Delicious?
The magic lies in the balance of flavors – the creaminess of the sauce, the herby Mediterranean spices, and the slight tang from sun-dried tomatoes. Grilled or pan-seared chicken locks in all the juices, while the orzo acts like tiny sponges, absorbing every bit of flavor.
Ingredients for Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo
- Chicken Breasts – The protein base, seared for a rich, savory flavor.
- Orzo Pasta – Creates a creamy, risotto-like texture.
- Heavy Cream – The key to a luscious, silky sauce.
- Chicken Broth – Enhances flavor while cooking the orzo.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Adds a tangy, sweet Mediterranean depth.
- Spinach – Brings freshness and a pop of color.
- Garlic – Aromatic and essential for building flavor.
- Olive Oil – The Mediterranean staple for cooking and richness.
- Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce for a salty, nutty finish.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens and balances the creaminess.
- Fresh Parsley – For garnish and a fresh herbal note.
How To Make the Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the orzo, letting it cook for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Simmer until the sauce thickens and coats the orzo.
Step 5: Add Greens and Chicken
Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, letting it warm through for 2–3 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot, ensuring each plate gets plenty of creamy orzo and tender chicken.
Serving and Storing Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo
This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy. However, it also makes excellent leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to bring back the luscious texture.
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce, which can separate upon thawing.
What to Serve With Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo?
1. Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Their sweet, caramelized flavor pairs beautifully with the creamy orzo.
2. Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
Crisp green beans add a nice crunch and balance the richness.
3. Simple Arugula Salad
A lemony arugula salad brings a fresh, peppery contrast.
4. Homemade Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
5. Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes
For a heartier side, roasted potatoes with lemon and herbs complement the Mediterranean flavors.
6. Classic Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil keep the meal light and refreshing.
7. Roasted Asparagus
A simple roasted asparagus with olive oil and salt works wonderfully.
Want More Mediterranean-Inspired Ideas?
If you love this creamy orzo dish, you’ll enjoy these other Mediterranean-style recipes too:
• Baked Mediterranean Pasta for a cheesy and veggie-packed delight.
• Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Dinner when you want something light yet satisfying.
• Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry for a quick and protein-packed meal.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan if you can’t resist creamy chicken pasta.
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Mediterranean Creamy Chicken Orzo
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice until sauce thickens.
- Stir in spinach until wilted, then return chicken to skillet to warm for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.