Sun Dried Tomato Basil and Parmesan Orzo with Chicken

I really like sun dried tomatoes, I love the flavor and texture of them. However, neither of my children like them and one doesn't like orzo. Cooking in my house is a daily challenge. 

Well, even if this wasn't a hit with anyone but me, it is still a recipe I will make again. Orzo, chicken, parmesan cheese and of course sun dried tomatoes in one pan and ready in about 30 minutes.

Sun Dried Tomato Basil and Parmesan Orzo with Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3/4 inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon olive oil
• black pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 3/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 8 ounces dry orzo pasta, about 1 1/4 cups
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet, over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the chicken and season with black pepper. Cook until golden brown on one side, about 3 minutes, then flip to other side and cook until golden brown about another 3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
2. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the skillet and add in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 20 seconds or until lightly golden. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
3. Bring the broth to a boil and add in the orzo and basil. Reduce the heat to medium and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the mixture to gently boil for 5 minutes. Uncover the pan, stir the mixture and continue to boil, uncovered, until the orzo is tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. There may be some broth still left and that is okay.
4. Add the chicken back into the skillet with the orzo and stir to combine. Remove from the heat and add in the parmesan cheese, stirring until combined and melted.
5. Stir in the sun dried tomatoes and any additional black pepper if desired.

Enjoy!!!

Notes:

As the pasta sits, it will absorb any extra liquid. Add a little bit more chicken broth if desired.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 458
Total Fat		12.9g
Saturated Fat		4.4g
Trans Fat		0g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat		0g
Cholesterol		88.8mg
Sodium		423mg
Total Carbohydrates		47.5g
Dietary Fiber		3.5g
Sugars		4.4g
Protein		39.4g
Calcium		22.6%
Iron		15.1%
Potassium		163.9mg
Vitamin A		2.8%
Vitamin C		4.8%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from Cooking Classy.