Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is an Italian-inspired dinner that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Tender, seared chicken is simmered to perfection in a rich sauce made with cream, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan cheese.
Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan wonder is both elegant and practical. Top it with fresh basil and pair it with warm, crusty bread for a meal that’s sure to impress. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a date-night treat, or a dish to share with friends, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is versatile enough for any occasion—and the leftovers are just as delightful! Skip the pricey Italian restaurant and enjoy this easy, indulgent dish right at home.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts or tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
- 7 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, loosely packed
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Basil for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sear until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes.
Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo to the skillet and stir to coat it in the remaining oil and flavors. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits for added flavor.
Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and return the chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked, the orzo is tender, and most of the liquid is absorbed. If the mixture becomes too dry, add chicken stock ¼ cup at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Finish the Dish: Stir in the parmesan cheese and spinach, cooking just until the spinach wilts.
Serve and Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal!
NOTES: If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well as a substitute.
Nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Enjoy this creamy, flavorful one-pan dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
