• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: A quality extra virgin olive oil is best for searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics, providing a foundational layer of flavor.
• 1 lb (about 450g) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes. This lean protein becomes incredibly tender when seared and then gently simmered in the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: Divided for seasoning the chicken and the final dish. Use kosher or sea salt for the best flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper offers a pungent spice that complements the creaminess of the dish.
• 1 large Yellow Onion: Finely chopped. This is the aromatic base that builds a sweet, savory depth in the sauce.
• 4 cloves Garlic: Minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic; it’s essential for that classic, robust Italian-inspired flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Adds a classic, earthy, and slightly peppery Mediterranean note.
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but highly recommended for a gentle background warmth that cuts through the richness. Adjust to your spice preference.
• 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed in oil, drained and chopped. These provide an intense, concentrated sweet-tart tomato flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• 1 ½ cups (about 10oz / 300g) Uncooked Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta is perfect for one-pot meals as it cooks directly in the sauce, releasing starch that helps create a naturally creamy texture.
• 4 cups (32oz / 950ml) Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish, especially since Parmesan cheese will be added later.
• 1 (15-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes: Undrained. These break down during cooking to form the bulk of the tomato sauce base.
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: This is the key to the luxurious, velvety texture. It transforms the broth-based sauce into a rich, creamy dream.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and has a much better flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
• 3 cups fresh Baby Spinach: Packed. The fresh spinach is wilted in at the very end, adding a beautiful color, extra nutrients, and a fresh, earthy flavor to balance the richness.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: For garnish. A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end brightens up the entire dish.
