Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo is the kind of meal that instantly transports you to a sun-drenched Italian countryside, where rustic flavors and creamy textures come together beautifully in just one pan. Imagine juicy chicken, velvety orzo, vibrant spinach, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes all mingling in a creamy Parmesan sauce—it’s a comforting, utterly craveable dish that pleases everyone at the table. Plus, it’s quick enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests, making it a true go-to favorite in any home cook’s repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
With Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo, every ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, creaminess, and color. It’s amazing how just a handful of fresh and pantry staples can come together to make a dish that feels both special and effortless!
- Olive oil: Sets the stage for richness and helps brown the chicken for a golden, flavorful start.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender, soaking up all those beautiful Tuscan flavors.
- Salt and pepper: The essential seasonings for bringing out the best in your chicken.
- Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness and aromatic foundation to the sauce.
- Garlic: Brings that unmistakable Italian warmth with every bite.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: A pop of concentrated tomato flavor and lovely color—don’t skip these!
- Orzo pasta: The small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks to creamy perfection and soaks up every bit of sauce.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Infuses depth and keeps everything moist without overpowering.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its beautiful, luscious texture that coats the orzo and chicken.
- Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and utterly essential for creamy decadence.
- Fresh spinach: Wilts down for a pop of color and gentle earthy flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that brings big Tuscan character to the dish.
- Fresh basil (optional): Adds a fragrant, fresh finish that’s perfect for garnishing.
How to Make Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Take your chicken thighs, season generously with salt and pepper, and add them to the hot pan. Let them brown on all sides, stirring occasionally until they’re cooked through and beautifully golden. This stage really builds the savory foundation for your Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo, so don’t rush it—let the chicken develop that delicious caramelization. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Build Flavors with Onion, Garlic, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Using the same skillet (and all those flavorful bits left behind!), add the diced onion and cook until it softens, about three minutes. Stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for another minute. You’ll smell those Tuscan aromas blooming, which means it’s time to move to the next step.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Add the dry orzo pasta directly to the pan. Give it a good stir, letting the orzo toast for one to two minutes. Toasting intensifies the orzo’s flavor and helps it hold up during simmering. You want the grains to look ever-so-slightly golden, soaking up everything around them.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in your low-sodium chicken broth, then bring it up to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it all simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it and give it a stir once or twice—when the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, you’ll know you’re ready for the next step.
Step 5: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Greens
Now the real magic for Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo happens! Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Add the fresh spinach, along with the cooked chicken and any juices from the plate. Let everything cook together for just a couple more minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is rich, creamy, and coats every grain of orzo. If you want a little extra indulgence, this is the time to swirl in a tablespoon of butter.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the heat, top with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil if you like, and serve your Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo warm. You’ll have a one-pan masterpiece—cheerful, creamy, and deeply satisfying for any day of the week.
How to Serve Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan adds a burst of fresh aroma and a polished finish to your Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo. Even a drizzle of good olive oil or a few cracks of black pepper right before serving can work wonders.
Side Dishes
Pair your Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo with crusty artisan bread for soaking up the sauce, a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or roasted seasonal veggies. These sides keep things light and let the creamy orzo be the star.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo in wide, shallow bowls with a flourish of basil, or spoon it into individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party. For a cozy, rustic vibe, bring the skillet right to the table and let everyone help themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. As the orzo rests, it may absorb a bit of the sauce, which only amps up the flavor!
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions for a future quick dinner, let the orzo cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to two months. Just keep in mind that the texture may change a bit during thawing, but the creamy, savory goodness remains.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth, water, or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings—just stir halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works perfectly in Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo. You might want to keep a close eye while cooking to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Grilled or rotisserie chicken also makes a delicious, speedy alternative.
What can I substitute for spinach?
If you’re out of spinach, feel free to use chopped kale or even arugula for a peppery twist. Just add them toward the end so they wilt nicely without overcooking.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
You can easily swap the chicken for canned chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The creamy, hearty texture of Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo still shines with these swaps!
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The creamy sauce and tender orzo make Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo a big hit with kids. You can always reduce the amount of sun-dried tomatoes or chop the spinach extra-fine for picky eaters.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Sure thing! Just use a very large skillet or Dutch oven and keep in mind the cooking time for the orzo may increase a minute or two. Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo is perfect for making ahead and reheats well—just another reason why it’s fantastic for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, creamy, and packed with Italian flair, Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo is a recipe you’ll want to add to your rotation right away. It’s simple, soulful, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds—so grab your skillet, gather your favorite people, and dive in!
Print
Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Tuscan-style chicken orzo dish is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and creamy Parmesan orzo. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Orzo:
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook seasoned chicken until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Saute Onions and Tomatoes: In the same pan, cook onion until soft, then add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add Orzo: Toast orzo in the pan, then pour in chicken broth and simmer until orzo is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Add spinach and cooked chicken, cook until heated through. Garnish with basil.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach or use grilled chicken breast instead of thighs.
- For added richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
