Best Tuscan Chicken Orzo (Print-Friendly Version)
Tender chicken and creamy orzo meld with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a flavorful, quick one-pan meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Protein
01 -
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 300g)
→ Seasonings
02 -
1 tsp garlic powder
03 -
1 tsp onion powder
04 -
Salt, to taste
05 -
Black pepper, to taste
06 -
1 tbsp Italian seasoning blend
→ Fats
07 -
1 tbsp olive oil
08 -
1 tbsp unsalted butter
→ Aromatics
09 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 -
1 small yellow onion, diced (about 100g)
→ Vegetables
11 -
100g sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
12 -
60g fresh spinach
13 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish, approx. 5g)
→ Pasta & Grains
14 -
150g orzo pasta
→ Liquids
15 -
600ml chicken broth
16 -
120ml heavy cream
→ Cheese
17 -
40g grated Parmesan cheese
# How to Make It:
01 -
Season chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and melt. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
04 -
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 1 minute to blend flavors.
05 -
Add dry orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat with the aromatics. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
06 -
Lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream and fresh spinach until the spinach wilts. Mix in grated Parmesan until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
07 -
Nestle seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the orzo mixture. Warm through for 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Lightly toasting the orzo before adding broth intensifies its nuttiness. Substituting chicken broth with bone broth enhances flavor and nutrition.
02 -
To add acidity and depth, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine after sautéing aromatics.
03 -
For a different texture, shred the cooked chicken and fold it into the orzo before serving.