Craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet easy to whip up on a busy weeknight? Look no further than this One Pan Chicken Puttanesca with Creamy Orzo! This Italian-inspired delight combines succulent chicken breasts with the rich, tangy goodness of tomatoes and olives, all nestled atop creamy orzo pasta. In just 30 minutes, you can serve up a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends without breaking a sweat. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side until golden brown and a nice crust forms. Do not move the chicken during this time to develop proper caramelization.
- Flip chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside on a clean plate. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this point.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and orzo pasta to the pan. Stir to combine and distribute ingredients evenly.
- Return chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces on top of the orzo mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pan.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Stir in heavy cream to create a creamy sauce, coating the orzo and creating a rich texture. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken during this time.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Plate the chicken and creamy orzo, ensuring each serving has a good mix of ingredients.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prep your ingredients in advance. Chop the garlic, slice the olives, and measure out the orzo so everything is ready to go when you start cooking.
- Room Temperature Chicken: Make sure your chicken breasts are at room temperature before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Don’t Rush the Sear: Allow the chicken to sear undisturbed for the first 5-6 minutes. This step is crucial for developing a beautiful caramelization that enhances the flavor.
- Monitor the Heat: If you notice the garlic starting to brown too quickly, lower the heat. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to your dish.
- Check Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
- Creamy Finish: Stir in the heavy cream at the end to create a luscious sauce. Let it simmer briefly to thicken, but don’t overcook to maintain its creamy texture.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s flavor profile. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 408kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 33g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 93mg
