The Best Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Tuscan chicken orzo in a white bowl on a blue table.

The Best Tuscan Chicken Orzo

This Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a one-pan dish packed with flavor, featuring tender chicken, creamy orzo, and a savory blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it brings the vibrant flavors of Tuscany to your table with minimal effort.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 40

Servings: servings

Author: Deborah Rainford

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts , boneless skinless
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh spinach
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.

Cook the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics:

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasoning:

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Cook the Orzo:

Add the orzo to the skillet and stir to coat it in the flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Finish the Dish:

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Combine and Serve:

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Chicken Substitutes: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Orzo Texture: If you prefer a creamier dish, add an extra splash of chicken broth or cream at the end.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or rice to accommodate dietary preferences.

Nutrition

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