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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

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This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pan dinner loaded with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and orzo pasta in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s an easy, weeknight-friendly recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 40 minutes — creamy, cozy, and packed with bold Tuscan-inspired ingredients.

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)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high and sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add orzo and toast for 1 minute, stirring.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender.
  5. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
  6. Slice or dice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Simmer gently until warmed through and creamy.
  7. Adjust seasoning to taste. Top with extra Parmesan and crushed red pepper if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • Swap chicken for shrimp, chickpeas, or mushrooms for variation.
  • Add white wine with the broth for extra depth of flavor.
  • Use frozen spinach (thawed and drained) if fresh isn’t available.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-orzo/