Name: Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1½ cups orzo pasta; 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 cups fresh spinach; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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If there’s one dish that truly encapsulates the heart and soul of Italian-inspired comfort food, it has to be Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo. Creamy, savory, and bursting with vibrant veggies, this recipe brings the sun-soaked flavors of Tuscany to your kitchen in under an hour. Imagine buttery orzo, juicy sautéed chicken, and a mix of fresh and sun-dried tomatoes all twirled together in a rich, Parmesan-laced sauce that clings to every golden grain. It’s a complete meal in one skillet, perfect for busy nights or whenever you crave a little extra coziness around the dinner table.

Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo is how a handful of simple ingredients work together to build layers of flavor, color, and texture. Each one plays a role, so don’t skip the details—here’s how to make every element shine.

Chicken breasts (1 lb, boneless & skinless): The star of the show; absorbs all those rich, savory flavors and stays tender throughout.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps develop golden, delicious flavor as well as a hint of fruitiness you only get from a high-quality oil.
Onion (1 small, diced): Adds gentle sweetness and depth as a building block for the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the entire dish with irresistible aromatic warmth—don’t hold back!
Orzo pasta (1½ cups): This rice-shaped pasta soaks up all the sauce, making every forkful creamy and satisfying.
Low-sodium chicken broth (3 cups): Lends flavor and just enough liquid to cook the orzo right in the pan.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Bursts of color and sweet-tart juiciness that brighten every bite.
Fresh spinach (2 cups): Brings gorgeous green flecks, softness, and a touch of earthiness.
Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, chopped): These little gems add complex, tangy richness reminiscent of the Tuscan countryside.
Heavy cream (½ cup): For lusciousness and a sauce that hugs every ingredient (use half-and-half for a lighter spin).
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): The finishing touch, lending salty, nutty umami to bind the sauce.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that easily evokes traditional Tuscan character.
Salt & pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into focus—season as you go.
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish): Adds a fragrant, summery pop of color right before serving.

How to Make Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a generous skillet over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned chicken pieces (salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning are key here) and sauté them until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Don’t rush—getting a nice sear on the chicken adds loads of flavor. Once cooked, set aside on a plate to keep things tidy for the next steps.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out, those golden bits are where the flavor lives!), toss in your diced onion. Sauté for a couple of minutes until it’s soft and sweet, then add the garlic. Just 30 seconds is enough for the garlic to release its aroma—no one wants burnt garlic here!

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add your orzo directly to those sizzling veggies. Stir it around for a minute or two to let the orzo toast lightly. This little extra step coaxes out a nuttiness in the pasta and helps it hold onto its shape while it simmers.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, gently scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift up any flavorful bits. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks, and watch as the orzo plumps up and absorbs almost all the liquid—you’re aiming for creamy, not soupy.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes, Spinach, Cream & Return Chicken

Now for the flavor-packed finish! Fold in cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Add your cooked chicken back into the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the spinach wilt and everything warm through beautifully.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into that creamy, dreamy sauce. Taste and tweak the salt and pepper. For true Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo perfection, garnish with fresh basil just before digging in.

How to Serve Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo

Garnishes

Fresh basil is a classic choice to bring out herbaceous notes and make every plate pop, but you could also sprinkle more Parmesan or a little grated lemon zest for brightness. Serve directly from the skillet or in shallow bowls for rustic charm.

Side Dishes

Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo pairs dreamy with a crisp green salad or warm, garlicky bread for mopping up any extra sauce. You could even add roasted veggies—zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers all play well here—to make your meal feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling fancy, serve the orzo in individual ramekins or small casserole dishes. For a summery twist, try spooning leftovers into grilled bell peppers. It’s also a hit as the centerpiece of a Mediterranean dinner spread—platter it up family-style for maximum effect!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors just keep mingling and get even better by day two! Just remember to cool completely before sealing it up.

Freezing

For longer storage, ladle cooled orzo into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. The creamy sauce will thicken a bit when reheated, but you can revive it with a splash of broth or cream.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit more chicken broth or cream to regain creaminess. Or, microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between, until warmed through. Avoid high heat—it can dry out the chicken and separate the sauce.

FAQs

Can I substitute a different pasta for orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo’s petite, rice-like shape is lovely in this dish, you can use small pasta like ditalini or even couscous. Just adjust the cooking liquid and timing accordingly.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

Yes! For a lighter Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, and use extra spinach or kale for more veggies and fewer carbs. It’s still rich and satisfying but a touch less decadent.

I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes—what can I use?

If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or even a spoonful of tomato paste will bring a similar depth and slight sweetness. You’ll miss a little tang, but the dish still sparkles.

How do I keep the orzo from becoming mushy?

Stir the orzo only occasionally and keep an eye on the liquid. Once the orzo is al dente and most of the broth has been absorbed, it’s ready! Overcooking will make it too soft, so trust your taste buds.

Can Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo be made vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth. You might want to add extra veggies—think mushrooms, artichokes, or zucchini—for a plant-forward feast.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo can turn an ordinary night into a celebration of flavor, comfort, and color. If you need a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels a little bit special, give this recipe a go—it just might become your new staple.

Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Tuscan-style chicken orzo is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy Italian-inspired dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Orzo:

1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups orzo pasta
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh spinach
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook seasoned chicken until golden brown. Set aside.
Prepare Orzo: Sauté onion and garlic. Add orzo, toast briefly. Pour in broth, cook until tender. Add tomatoes, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken, and cream. Simmer, then stir in Parmesan.
Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning, garnish with basil, and serve warm.