Description
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente orzo pasta, and a creamy sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan. With its Italian-inspired flavors, this one-pan recipe is a comforting and quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
- Cook the orzo:
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, stirring to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the orzo pasta, stirring to incorporate. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Make the creamy sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce, and let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve:
- Slice the chicken and serve it on top of the creamy orzo mixture. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or even turkey for a different variation.
- Add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes