1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch, bite-size pieces
⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, roughly chopped (plus 1 tablespoon of the oil)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoons dried thyme
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups orzo (dry, uncooked)
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
⅓ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach (optional, stir in at end)
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with a bit of oil or cooking spray.
Assemble: To the baking dish, add the chicken, 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil, and tomato
paste. Sprinkle over the granulated garlic, thyme, paprika, ½ teaspoon of the salt, and pepper.
Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the oil, spices and tomato paste. Spread the chicken in an even
layer on the bottom of the pan.
Layer the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the top of the chicken, followed by the orzo in an
even layer. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt, then pour the stock evenly over the
orzo. Do not stir.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the
orzo is just barely cooked, but still a bit under-done.
Carefully remove the foil. Add the cream, parmesan, and spinach (if using), stirring well to
combine.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, uncovered.
Finish And Serve: Let rest for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly before serving. Taste and adjust
seasoning if needed. Serve warm with additional Parmesan, if that’s your thing.