Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Tuscan Chicken and Orzo is a one-pan dish inspired by the rich flavors of Tuscany. This dish combines juicy chicken, creamy orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender spinach, all brought together in a creamy, garlicky sauce. Perfect for weeknights, this dish delivers a warm, comforting meal with a gourmet feel and can be prepared in under an hour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

1. Slice the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Chop Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, pat them dry and chop into small pieces. For dry tomatoes, soak them briefly in warm water to soften.
3. Measure Out Ingredients: Make sure all other ingredients are prepped and ready to go.

Cooking the Chicken

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Making the Creamy Sauce

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

1. Add Remaining Oil: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil if needed.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring until fragrant.
3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavors.

Step 4: Deglaze with Chicken Broth

1. Pour in Chicken Broth: Add 2 cups of chicken broth to the skillet, scraping the bottom to lift any browned bits left from the chicken.
2. Simmer: Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.

Adding the Orzo and Vegetables

Step 5: Add Orzo and Cook

1. Stir in Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet, stirring to distribute it evenly in the broth.
2. Cook Orzo: Let the orzo simmer in the broth for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth if needed to ensure the orzo cooks fully.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Cream

1. Add Spinach: Once the orzo is nearly tender, add the spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts down, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
2. Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to create a creamy sauce. Allow it to simmer gently for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Finishing and Serving

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Cheese

1. Return Chicken to Skillet: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce and warm through.
2. Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
2. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the dish while warm. It’s perfect on its own or with a side of garlic bread.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
2. Make It Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a touch of hot sauce for more heat.
3. Swap the Protein: Try using shrimp, sausage, or tofu instead of chicken.
4. Add More Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini work well in this dish.

Tips for Success

1. Avoid Overcooking Orzo: Orzo cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid a mushy texture.
2. Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts nicely and adds a vibrant green color. If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it well before adding.
3. Grate Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better into the sauce and enhances flavor.

Conclusion

Tuscan Chicken and Orzo is a perfect fusion of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors all in one skillet. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and fresh spinach creates a hearty yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress. With its ease of preparation and vibrant flavors, this recipe is a wonderful addition to any weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy the delightful taste of Tuscany from the comfort of your own home!

Yield: 4

Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Print

Tuscan Chicken and Orzo is a one-pan dish inspired by the rich flavors of Tuscany. This dish combines juicy chicken, creamy orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender spinach, all brought together in a creamy, garlicky sauce. Perfect for weeknights, this dish delivers a warm, comforting meal with a gourmet feel and can be prepared in under an hour.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken and Orzo:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Orzo:
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   Add the orzo and stir to coat with the oil and garlic. Toast the orzo for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to turn golden.
   
3. Add the Broth and Cream:
   Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook the orzo for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
   
4. Combine and Add the Vegetables:
   Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy. Add the cherry tomatoes, spinach, and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
   
5. Garnish and Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan, if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Vegetable Variations: Kale or arugula can be used in place of spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes are a great alternative to fresh tomatoes.

Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and omit the Parmesan.