Ready in: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Orzo

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry orzo
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup baby spinach
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil)
• ¼ cup finely diced onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

1. Toss the chicken with the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter, then add the onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add the dry orzo and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the orzo doesn’t stick. Add a splash of broth if it becomes too thick before the pasta is tender.
7. Stir in the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
8. Return the chicken (along with any juices) to the skillet and toss everything together. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
9. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and cracked black pepper. Serve with warm garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad.

Texas Girl Tip 🤍

For the richest flavor, grate your Parmesan fresh from a block instead of using the pre-shredded kind. It melts much smoother and makes the sauce extra creamy.