Chicken Florentine with Orzo

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 20-25 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!