Mediterranean Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Orzo
This Mediterranean-inspired dish is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach tossed with orzo pasta. Finished with Parmesan or feta cheese and a squeeze of lemon, it’s an easy, comforting, and elegant dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2–4
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Orzo
2 chicken breasts
1 cup orzo pasta
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
2–3 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups chicken broth
2–3 tbsp cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese
1–2 tsp lemon juice
Garnish
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics & Orzo
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed.
Sauté onion and garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and orzo, stirring to coat in oil and flavors.
Add Liquid & Simmer
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Cook the orzo, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add Spinach & Cream
Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
Add cream (if using), Parmesan or feta, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Combine & Serve
Slice chicken and return to skillet, or serve whole on top of the orzo mixture.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
Chicken Options: Use boneless, skinless thighs for juicier meat, or even rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
Pasta Alternatives: Orzo works beautifully, but you can substitute with couscous, quinoa, or small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe.
Cheese Choices: Parmesan adds a nutty flavor, while feta gives a tangy Mediterranean twist. You can even mix both.
Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts for extra color and nutrients.
Cream Variations: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt (stirred in at the end off-heat) for a lighter creamy option.
Herb Options: Fresh basil, parsley, or dill complement the flavors well. Sprinkle on just before serving for freshness.
Sun-Dried Tomato Type: Choose sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for more richness; if using dry-packed tomatoes, rehydrate in warm water first.
Make Ahead: You can cook the orzo and chicken separately, then assemble and reheat together when ready to serve.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes. Cook the orzo and chicken separately, store in airtight containers, and reheat together just before serving. Add fresh spinach at the end to keep it vibrant.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. Adjust cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Omit the cream and cheese, or use dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and plant-based cheese.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts work well and add more flavor and nutrients.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or warm crusty bread to make a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Nutrition
(per serving, approx. 1/2 recipe)
Calories: ~450
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 4g
Sodium: ~720mg
(Values may vary depending on type of cheese, cream, and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Orzo is a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal. Tender chicken pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy, cheesy orzo, all brightened with a touch of lemon. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep while still feeling elegant and satisfying.