Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo is a rich and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender seared chicken breasts nestled in a creamy, cheesy orzo with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. This Italian-inspired dish combines aromatic garlic, Parmesan, and herbaceous basil, making it a comforting yet elegant dinner option perfect for family meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Orzo and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Greens and Garnish
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the uncooked orzo and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Liquids: Mix the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the orzo. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Orzo: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the orzo becomes tender and creamy.
- Finish the Sauce: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt into the creamy mixture, enhancing the dish with vibrant color and nutrition.
- Return Chicken and Warm Through: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet atop the creamy orzo. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese over the dish if desired. Serve hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and add a bit of the oil to the pan while sautéing.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to create a lighter version of this dish.
- This recipe also works well with boneless chicken thighs or shrimp as alternatives to chicken breasts.
