One-Pot Creamy Tomato and Spinach Orzo

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp oil (Used to cook the chicken; the instructions refer to olive oil.)
• salt (To taste.)
• black pepper (To taste.)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tbsp red chili flakes
• 1 onion (Diced.)
• 2 tbsp fresh garlic (Minced.)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 0.5 cup heavy cream (Also called heavy whipping cream.)
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated, plus more for garnish.)
• 1 chicken bouillon cube (Use with the water, or substitute 1 1/2 cups chicken stock.)
• 1.5 cup water (Use with the chicken bouillon cube; alternatively use 1 1/2 cups chicken stock.)
• chicken breast (The source does not specify an amount; cook, then slice. Choice of protein may be substituted.)
• fresh basil (For stirring in and garnish; amount unspecified.)

Steps

1. 1

   Heat the oil in a large skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

2. 2

   Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

3. 3

   Add the butter to the skillet. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, red chili flakes, and Italian seasoning.

4. 4

   Cook the onion mixture for about 2–3 minutes, until softened and aromatic.

5. 5

   Add the cherry tomatoes and tomato paste. Sauté for 3–4 minutes.

6. 6

   Add the dry orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.

7. 7

   Add the water and chicken bouillon. Alternatively, add 1 1/2 cups chicken stock instead.

8. 8

   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

9. 9

   Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo does not stick to the bottom of the pan, until the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

10. 10

    Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, spinach, and fresh basil.

11. 11

    Taste and add more salt and black pepper if needed.

12. 12

    Slice the cooked chicken breasts, place them on top of the orzo, and garnish with additional fresh basil and Parmesan.

Notes

The source does not specify the amount of chicken breast or the quantity of fresh basil. It also gives chicken bouillon with water as an alternative to chicken stock. The source does not state a specific internal temperature for the chicken.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• one-pot
• pasta
• orzo
• creamy
• chicken
• stovetop
• Italian-inspired