If you’re craving a cozy dinner that bursts with flavor and comfort, the Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with a luscious, garlicky sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and rich Parmesan, all served over perfectly cooked orzo pasta. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels elegant yet is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look familiar, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering the vibrant taste, creamy texture, and appealing colors that make this dish so unforgettable.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that’s juicy and tender after searing.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat to balance the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Deepens the garlic flavor alongside fresh garlic.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings the Tuscan herb goodness of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken beautifully to a golden crisp.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infused in the sauce for aromatic richness.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: The tiny, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up the luscious sauce perfectly.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Their tangy sweetness brightens every bite.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to cook the orzo.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety sauce that coats everything.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts in for umami richness and a savory finish.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, healthy touch.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a hint of spice that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds extra silkiness and flavor to the sauce base.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Brightens the dish with herbaceous notes and garnish appeal.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
First, coat your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This simple blend transforms plain chicken into a flavorful indulgence. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet, then sear the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. The goal is a golden crust that seals in the juices. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside—you’ll bring it back soon.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Toast the Orzo
Using the same skillet keeps all those delicious chicken drippings in play. Add butter and let it melt, then toss in minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant—about a minute—to avoid any bitterness. Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it lightly for 1 to 2 minutes, so it develops a nutty flavor and better texture when cooked.
Step 3: Simmer Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Broth
Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet. Let it cook for around 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. This step lets the orzo soak up the savory tomato and broth flavors, which is pure magic.
Step 4: Add Cream, Parmesan, and Spinach
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese melts completely, creating a thick and creamy sauce. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts, infusing the dish with its vibrant green hue and subtle earthiness. Optional red pepper flakes can be added here if you want a little kick.
Step 5: Return Chicken and Combine
Finally, nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the creamy orzo mixture. Spoon the sauce over the top of the chicken and let everything simmer gently for an additional two minutes. This final step warms the chicken through and lets the flavors meld together beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is all you need to give this dish a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous contrast to the creamy sauce. You can also add a little extra shaved Parmesan for cheesiness that wow’s every bite.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is hearty enough on its own, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts complement it nicely. The acidity and crunch in these sides balance the rich, creamy sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken and orzo in shallow bowls with an extra drizzle of olive oil or a lemon wedge on the side to brighten the flavor. For gatherings, plate the orzo first, then place the chicken on top, showcasing the creamy sauce cascading around for an inviting look that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo Recipe in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as delightful as the first meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well but with one caveat: the spinach might become a little watery upon thawing. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and store for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and prevent it from separating. If needed, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the lush sauce texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add more richness and stay juicy, but cooking time might be slightly longer to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version, but keep in mind the sauce may not be as thick and decadent.
Can I use dried spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is best for texture and color, but if you only have dried, add it sparingly and adjust liquid quantities since dried spinach absorbs more moisture.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta?
Feel free to substitute with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even couscous, but cooking times may vary so keep an eye on the texture.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering it. They’re optional and can be adjusted to your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo Recipe is the kind of meal that makes you smile with every bite. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I promise this recipe will soon become a treasured classic in your kitchen. So grab your skillet and get ready to experience a taste of Tuscan magic that’s simply irresistible.
Print
Creamy Tuscan Chicken with 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: Low Salt
Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts cooked in a luscious creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Combined with perfectly cooked orzo pasta, this skillet meal offers a comforting Italian-inspired dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare, ideal for serving a family of four.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce and Orzo
- 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
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, add the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook Orzo with Broth and Tomatoes: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Add Cream, Cheese, and Spinach: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Add the fresh chopped spinach and cook just until wilted, stirring occasionally. If using, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let everything simmer together over low heat for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors and warm the chicken through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot straight from the skillet, pairing with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- You can use dried sun-dried tomatoes; just rehydrate them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Adding red pepper flakes is optional but adds a nice subtle heat to balance the creaminess.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid curdling the cream sauce.
