Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this heartwarming dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
If you fancy a bit of a twist, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter, slightly tropical flair. And if sun-dried tomatoes aren’t your thing, swap them with roasted red peppers for a different kind of sweetness.
Instructions
Let’s walk through how to make this magical dish:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken to the pot and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the orzo and stir well to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer over low heat for about 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the lid and stir in the Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil. Let it cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese has melted and everything is well combined.
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Remember, cooking is as much about the journey as the destination. Don’t rush through the process — savor the smells and sights, as they are as much a part of the memory as the taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International