Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ onion, finely chopped; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2½ cups chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried thyme (optional); ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a rich, comforting one-pan meal packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce. I love how the orzo soaks up all the flavors and turns into a luscious, risotto-like base that makes this dish feel indulgent but not heavy. It’s a weeknight-friendly dinner that still feels elegant enough for guests or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me everything I want in one skillet — creamy pasta, juicy chicken, vibrant greens, and tons of flavor. The sun-dried tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and depth, while the garlic-Parmesan cream sauce ties it all together beautifully. It’s simple to prepare, doesn’t require any fancy ingredients, and comes together in under 40 minutes. Plus, it’s cozy and satisfying without needing a side dish.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely chopped
Orzo pasta
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
Fresh spinach
Italian seasoning or dried thyme (optional)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through. I set it aside to rest, then slice or dice it.
In the same skillet, I sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.
I stir in the orzo and toast it lightly for a minute to build flavor.
I pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, stirring often as the orzo cooks and absorbs the liquid — about 8–10 minutes.
Once the orzo is tender, I lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
I return the chicken to the skillet and let everything simmer gently until creamy and heated through.
I taste and adjust seasoning, then finish with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes if I want a little kick.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10–15 minutes to prep and 20–25 minutes to cook, so dinner is ready in around 35–40 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add mushrooms or roasted red peppers for more texture and flavor. I’ve also swapped the chicken for shrimp or kept it vegetarian by adding chickpeas or white beans. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and it still turns out creamy and delicious. If I want to make it extra rich, I add a splash of white wine with the broth.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. I avoid high heat, which can dry out the chicken or make the sauce separate.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, I’ve made this with small pasta shapes like ditalini or mini shells. Orzo works best because it cooks evenly and gives that creamy texture.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

I often substitute with half-and-half or even a mix of milk and a bit of cream cheese for a lighter version.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, I just thaw and squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the dish.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s not unless I add red pepper flakes. I adjust the heat to suit my taste or skip the flakes entirely for a mild version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but I prefer to make it fresh so the orzo doesn’t get too soft. If making ahead, I undercook the orzo slightly and reheat with extra broth.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is one of those feel-good meals I turn to when I want something easy, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s rich, cozy, and loaded with everything I love — creamy pasta, savory chicken, and bursts of color from sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Whether I’m making it for a quiet night in or a dinner with friends, it always delivers big comfort in one simple dish.