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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe

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3.9 from 83 reviews

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender seasoned chicken breasts cooked in a rich and creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, served over tender orzo pasta. It combines Italian-inspired herbs and a luscious cream sauce, making it both a hearty and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Orzo and Sauce:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides to infuse flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  4. Cook the Orzo: Pour in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking on low heat until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Add Spinach and Red Pepper Flakes: Fold in the chopped fresh spinach and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and blends into the sauce.
  7. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy orzo sauce over the chicken, allowing the flavors to meld together. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
  8. Serve: Plate the chicken topped with the creamy Tuscan orzo sauce. Garnish with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will add more richness; if using dry ones, rehydrate in warm water before adding.
  • Try adding mushrooms or artichoke hearts for extra texture and flavor.
  • Use gluten-free orzo to make this dish gluten-free if necessary.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-orzo-recipe/