Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Charlotte

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a rich, comforting one-pan meal made with tender chicken, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a velvety parmesan cream sauce. The orzo cooks directly in the broth, creating a risotto-like texture that’s cozy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting dinner at home.

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings Servings

Calories 585 kcal

Ingredients

Chicken

2 large chicken breasts or 4 small, sliced or pounded thin
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Sauce & Aromatics

2 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Tuscan Add-Ins

2 cups fresh baby spinach
fresh basil for topping Optional:

Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Coat the chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Sear the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Build the Base:

Melt the butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Toast the Orzo:

Add the orzo and stir to coat. Toast lightly for 1 minute.

Add Broth & Simmer:

Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Create the Creamy Sauce:

Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.

Combine Everything:

Add the chicken back into the skillet. Add the spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. Stir until creamy and heated through.

Serve:

Garnish with fresh basil or extra parmesan and serve warm.

Notes

Add extra broth if the orzo thickens too much—this dish continues to absorb liquid as it cools.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Chicken thighs can be used for extra juiciness.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy Tuscan twist.

Nutrition

Calories: 585kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 36gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 165mgSodium: 880mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g

Keyword Chicken Orzo, creamy chicken orzo, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!