Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a delightful one-pan meal that captures the essence of Italian cuisine in just 30 minutes. This dish features juicy chicken, tender orzo pasta, and a luscious cream sauce, all complemented by vibrant spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, it combines simplicity with sophistication, making every bite a comforting experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
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One-Pan Wonder: With minimal cleanup, this one-pan recipe is both convenient and delicious.
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Creamy & Comforting: The creamy sauce made with heavy cream adds richness to the orzo, chicken, and vegetables.
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Packed with Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes and garlic bring a burst of Italian-inspired flavor, while fresh spinach adds color and nutrients.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is a hit every time.
Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
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3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
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1 cup orzo pasta
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2 cups fresh spinach
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
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1 cup heavy cream
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3 cloves garlic (minced)
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2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Chicken: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and chop the sun-dried tomatoes.
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Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
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Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and mix well.
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Add Broth and Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the orzo pasta, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Simmer until the orzo is al dente, approximately 10-12 minutes.
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Make It Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
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Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers:
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Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
Customizations and Variations
Protein Additions:
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Chicken: You can swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
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Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
Spice Level:
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Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of chili paste to the sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
Dairy-Free Option:
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Substitute Dairy: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese for a rich, dairy-free alternative.
Pairing Suggestions
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes:
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Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
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Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
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Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for added texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information
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Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving
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Protein: 38g
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Fat: 24g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sodium: 650mg
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting and satisfying meal that brings together tender chicken, flavorful orzo, and a rich cream sauce with the added brightness of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for guests. With its bold flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a rich, comforting one-pan meal that combines juicy chicken, tender orzo pasta, vibrant spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious cream sauce. This easy, 30-minute dish brings the flavors of Italy to your table and is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), diced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients:
Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and chop the sun-dried tomatoes.
Cook the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes:
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
Add the broth and cook the orzo:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the orzo pasta, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the orzo is al dente.
Make the sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Continue to cook until the spinach is wilted and the sauce has thickened.
Serve:
Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra sun-dried tomatoes, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
