A delicious one-pot creamy tomato and spinach orzo recipe featuring orzo pasta, Cajun seasoning, fresh vegetables, and a rich sauce. This dish is topped with chicken and garnished with fresh basil for an aromatic finish.
1: In a large skillet or cast iron, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Then remove and set aside.
2: Add in the butter, onion, garlic, and red chili flakes along with the Italian seasoning. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until soft and aromatic.
3: Add cherry tomatoes and tomato paste. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.
4: Add dry orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5: Then add water and the chicken bouillon. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally so that the orzo doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan, until the orzo is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
6: Stir in the heavy whipping cream, parmesan cheese, spinach, and basil. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
7: Top with the sliced chicken breasts or choice of protein and garnish with fresh basil!
