Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a rich and flavorful one-skillet dish that brings together tender seared chicken, velvety orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a touch of garlic in a luscious cream sauce. Inspired by classic Tuscan flavors, this recipe offers comfort and elegance in under 40 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner at home without the fuss.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips or cubes
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups baby spinach
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2️⃣ In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the orzo and toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
3️⃣ Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4️⃣ Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce begins to thicken.
5️⃣ Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken before serving.
6️⃣ Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
You can substitute the heavy cream with half and half for a lighter version, or use a dairy-free alternative if needed. If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, be sure to drain them well before chopping. This dish reheats beautifully and works well for leftovers or meal prep. For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine before simmering the orzo.
Find it online: https://richspoon.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-orzo/