Ingredients:
- 4 cups (500g) roasted chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup (200g) dry orzo pasta
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (60g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, julienned
- 1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
- 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium chicken bone broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups (60g) fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup (45g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a 12-inch heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Note: This blooms the spices, releasing oils that would otherwise stay trapped.
- Stir in the 200g of dry orzo. Cook for 2 minutes until the pasta turns golden brown and smells nutty.
- Pour in 480ml of chicken bone broth and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Bring to a brisk simmer.
- Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the liquid is mostly absorbed but the orzo is still wet.
- Pour in 120ml of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Stir vigorously to create a silky sauce.
- Fold in the 500g of roasted chicken and 60g of julienned sun dried tomatoes. Heat for 2 minutes until the chicken is warmed through.
- Throw in 60g of baby spinach. Stir for 30 seconds until the leaves just begin to collapse.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in 45g of Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper. Taste and add more salt if the parmesan wasn't salty enough.
- Let the dish sit for 2 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly into a glossy, velvety coating.