Chicken Florentine with Orzo

recipe

• Step 1
  Preheat the oven to 400°F. Peel, halve & small dice the onion.
• Step 2
  Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt & pepper.
• Step 3
  Heat a drizzle of olive oil in an oven-safe frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken breasts & sear, about 2-3 min per side, until lightly browned. No need to cook the chicken all the way through - it will finish cooking in the oven. Transfer to a plate & set aside.
• Step 4
  Add another drizzle of olive oil to the same pan. Add the diced onion. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder & Italian seasoning (optional). Cook, stirring often, until the onion is soft, 6-8 min.
• Step 5
  Pour in the chicken broth & bring to a simmer.
• Step 6
  Stir in the orzo & heavy cream. Add the spinach & stir briefly to encourage wilting.
• Step 7
  Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the orzo. Transfer the frying pan to the oven & bake, uncovered, for 18-20 min, until the chicken is fully cooked & the orzo is tender. Check halfway through & if the orzo looks dry, add a few tbsp of water or broth.
• Step 8
  When the chicken & orzo are fully cooked & tender, remove from the oven. Sprinkle with grated parmesan (optional) & extra pepper. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil. Serve & enjoy!