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)
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.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach or use grilled chicken for added flavor.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
