White Pesto Chicken and Orzo
Makes 6 servings
INGREDIENTS:
- ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, oil drained
- 6 boneless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- Chili flakes
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- Wilted spinach added last minute and served on bottom
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 400° F. Drain 3 tablespoons of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar into a large skillet with sides. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and set aside.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the flour to a shallow bowl. Dredge the chicken through the flour and toss to coat.
- Set the skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden, 3-5 minutes per side. Sprinkle the chicken with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Remove the chicken from the skillet to a plate.
- To the same skillet, add the butter, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, garlic, orzo, and season with chili flakes. Cook until lightly golden, 2 minutes. Add the broth. Bring to a boil, cook for 3-5 minutes, then add the cream, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Slide the chicken and any juices left on the plate back into the skillet. Sprinkle over the parmesan.
- Transfer to the oven and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling around the chicken. Serve the chicken, orzo, and sauce topped with thyme.