Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a flavorful dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, orzo pasta, and the bold flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s a quick and satisfying weeknight meal that’s both comforting and indulgent.


Ingredients

  1. 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    1 medium onion, diced
    3 cloves garlic, minced
    1 can (6 oz) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
    1 cup orzo pasta
    2 cups chicken broth
    1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
    1 cup baby spinach, chopped
    ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    1 teaspoon dried basil
    1 teaspoon dried oregano
    Salt and pepper, to taste
    Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked through (165°F/75°C). Remove from skillet and slice into strips.

  1. Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and orzo: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and orzo, cooking for 2-3 minutes, allowing the orzo to lightly toast in the skillet.
  3. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  4. Add cream and spinach: Stir in heavy cream and chopped spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and sauce thickens. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and toss everything to combine. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  1. For extra spice, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
  2. You can substitute orzo with other small pasta like penne or fusilli.
  3. Use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative to make the dish dairy-free.
  4. Frozen spinach works fine; just thaw and drain it before adding it to the sauce.
  5. For a lighter version, use half-and-half and reduce the cheese slightly.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg