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CREAMY TUSCAN CHICKEN ORZO centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Joe Rooney

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Easy Weeknight Dinner

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a perfect easy dinner that brings the charm of a tuscan chicken recipe right to your table. Ideal for a weeknight meal or a family dinner, it combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy orzo sauce packed with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a flavorful creamy orzo experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 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

Method
 

  1. Dry the chicken breasts and evenly season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature reaching 165°F/75°C). Remove from the pan and keep warm.
  3. Lower the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic, around 30 seconds.
  4. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until it starts to turn golden.
  5. Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes followed by the chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Cover the skillet and let the orzo simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every now and then until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  7. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet; stir well until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  8. Fold in the chopped fresh spinach and cook until the spinach wilts down.
  9. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to mingle the flavors and heat through before serving.

Notes

  • For a little kick, feel free to add the optional red pepper flakes while cooking the orzo. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be gently reheated on the stove or in the microwave.