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: 620kcal
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 chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine 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 lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add 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 simmer. Reduce 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.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly. If using, add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the baby spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted and everything is well combined, about 2 minutes.
- 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 the sauce thickens too much, add a little chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. 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.