Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Risoni by Anna Robards | INTU Wellness
I’m always on the lookout for quick, nourishing meals that don’t compromise on flavour, and this one ticks every box. My Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken with Risoni is one of my favourite one-pan dinners because it’s so simple to make yet feels beautifully comforting and wholesome.
Lean chicken tenderloins bring all the protein you need, the spinach adds a boost of vitamins and iron, and those sun-dried tomatoes give that tangy, antioxidant kick I absolutely love. Everything comes together with creamy risoni that soaks up every bit of flavour. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but still full of goodness, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something cosy and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4–6 chicken tenderloins
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1 cup risoni, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ½ bag fresh spinach
- ½ cup thickened cream
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp chilli flakes (add more if you like it spicy)
- Grated parmesan, to serve
1. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken tenderloins with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Sear for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Toast the Risoni
In the same pan, add a touch more olive oil if needed. Toss in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and risoni, and cook for about 2 minutes until the risoni starts to turn golden and fragrant.
3. Simmer
Pour in the chicken stock and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a gentle boil, then cover and simmer for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally so the risoni doesn’t stick.
4. Add the Greens and Cream
Once the risoni is tender, add the fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
Stir in the thickened cream, dried basil, and chilli flakes. I love watching the sauce turn beautifully silky at this stage, it’s when all the flavours really start to come together.
5. Finish and Serve
Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer for another 2–5 minutes until everything is perfectly cooked and coated in that creamy sauce.
Serve it straight from the pan, topped with a generous sprinkle of parmesan.
Anna’s Tip
This dish is all about balance, creamy, hearty, and nourishing. The risoni soaks up all the rich, herby sauce, while the chicken stays tender and juicy. If you want to lighten it up, you can use coconut cream or light cream instead. For a fresh twist, I sometimes finish it with a squeeze of lemon juice to cut through the richness.
I love serving this with a simple green salad, or sometimes just on its own, it’s that satisfying.
With love,
Anna Robards, Co-Founder of INTU Wellness