Description
This Irresistible & Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a flavorful one-pan dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and tender orzo pasta. Infused with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, this Italian-inspired main course offers a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables & Herbs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry Staples & Spices
- 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, releasing their flavors.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to deepen their flavor.
- Create the sauce and cook orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the uncooked orzo pasta, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Combine chicken and spinach: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the baby spinach. Stir well until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
- Finish with cheese and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for richness. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving to add a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Add mushrooms or roasted red peppers to the skillet along with the sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve this creamy Tuscan chicken orzo with garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
