Italian FoodDurban Indian

Chicken Spinach & Sundried Tomato Orzo

Make authentic Chicken Spinach & Sundried Tomato Orzo with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

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By DenisiyaPublished on January 23, 2025
Try this easy and delicious Chicken Spinach & Sundried Tomato Orzo – a comforting dish full of vibrant flavors!
⏱️
Prep Time15 mins
🍳
Cook Time20 mins
⌛
Total Time35 mins
🍽️
ServingsServes 4-6
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Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s both comforting & full of vibrant flavors? Look no further than this Chicken Spinach & Sundried Tomato Orzo! Packed with tender chicken, sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, & perfectly cooked orzo, this dish is a delightful medley of flavors & textures. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or planning a meal for friends & family, this dish is sure to impress!

What is Orzo?

Orzo, also known as “risoni” in Italian, is a type of pasta shaped like grains of rice. The name “orzo” comes from the Italian word for “barley,” because the pasta’s shape resembles barley grains. It’s made from durum wheat semolina, just like other types of pasta, & has a soft, slightly chewy texture when cooked. Despite its rice-like appearance, it cooks like pasta, making it an ideal addition to a variety of dishes.

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Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Serves 4-6
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Step-by-Step Instructions

26 Steps
  1. Step 1

    Peel & chop the onion.

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    Rinse & cube the chicken breasts.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Add all the spices to a bowl – 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 tablespoon chilli powder or masala, 2 teaspoons dried mixed herbs, 1 tablespoon chilli flakes, salt to taste, ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper, ½ teaspoon cumin (jeera) powder & 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    I got the Cajun seasoning from Woolworths.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    To a pot on medium heat, add in 2 tablespoons of olive oil & add in the chicken.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Add in the bowl of spices with the crushed garlic.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Mix well & allow to cook for 10 minutes or until the chicken is golden.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Once cooked, empty the chicken out into a bowl & set aside.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    For the sun-dried tomatoes, I’ve used Ina Paarman’s.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    This does come in a vinaigrette, so I chose to strain out the liquid & finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    For the chicken stock (broth) I use Woolworths brand, you may use whichever brand you prefer. I used two sachets & diluted it with 500 ml of boiling water.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    To the same pot that the chicken had cooked in, add in another 2 tablespoons of olive oil & then add in the chopped onions.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    Mix until the onions are coated with remaining spices from the pot & allow to sauté until the onions are translucent.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Once the onions are translucent, add in the tomato paste & sun-dried tomatoes.

    Step 14 visual guide
  15. Step 15

    Mix & allow to sauté for 10 minutes, making sure to stir every few minutes to prevent it from burning.

    Step 15 visual guide
  16. Step 16

    Next, add in the orzo. I am using the Woolworths brand.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    Pour in the chicken stock (broth).

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Mix well.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Pour in the water.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    Cover & allow to cook until the pasta is al dente.

    Step 20 visual guide
  21. Step 21

    Once the orzo is cooked, pour in the fresh cream.

    Step 21 visual guide
  22. Step 22

    Add in the cooked chicken.

    Step 22 visual guide
  23. Step 23

    Add in the parmesan.

    Step 23 visual guide
  24. Step 24

    Rinse the baby spinach & add that in.

    Step 24 visual guide
  25. Step 25

    Mix & allow the spinach to wilt.

    Step 25 visual guide
  26. Step 26

    Serve hot & enjoy!

    Step 26 visual guide
Video Tutorial

Watch How It's Made

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Chicken Spinach & Sundried Tomato Orzo.

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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Chicken Spinach & Sundried Tomato Orzo

What is Orzo?

Orzo, also known as “risoni” in Italian, is a type of pasta shaped like grains of rice. The name “orzo” comes from the Italian word for “barley,” because the pasta’s shape resembles barley grains. It’s made from durum wheat semolina, just like other types of pasta, & has a soft, slightly chewy texture when cooked. Despite its rice-like appearance, it cooks like pasta, making it an ideal addition to a variety of dishes.

Can I adjust the spice and chilli levels in Chicken Spinach & Sundried Tomato Orzo?

Absolutely! You can easily tailor the heat by increasing or reducing the chili powder and fresh chilies to suit your family’s palate without compromising the authentic flavor profile.

Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

Yes, you can freeze Chicken Spinach & Sundried Tomato Orzo in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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