Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe (One Pan, 30 Minutes)
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe brings the flavors of Tuscany to your table in just 30 minutes using one pan. Tender chicken, creamy orzo, and sun-dried tomatoes create a rich, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520kcal
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and diced shallot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo to the pan and stir to coat it in the oil and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine and Finish: Return the chicken to the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. Fold in the baby spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1 minute.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Pro Tips: For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end. If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of cream. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore creaminess. Variations: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist. Add spinach or kale for extra greens. Use gluten-free orzo to make this dish gluten-free.