Tuscan Chicken Orzo is packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy orzo pasta. It's a delicious and easy one-pot meal that will become your new go-to dinner recipe.
Jump to:
Save this recipe by clicking on the ❤️ heart on the right-hand side of the screen or in the recipe card.
In addition to being a one-pan meal, this recipe requires only a few simple ingredients, so you don't have to worry about a lengthy grocery list. Additionally, it's a great way to incorporate some extra veggies into the diets of picky eaters.
Ingredients you'll need
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
Ingredient notes
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs - I love how tender the chicken thighs turn out, however chicken breasts can be used instead.
- Seasonings - You will need salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder from your spice cabinet.
- Butter - Unsalted butter is my preference for this recipe. If using salted butter, go easy on the additional salt.
- Orzo - Also known as risoni, it's a type of pasta that is shaped like rice. You can find it in the pasta aisle at your local grocery store.
- Garlic cloves - Fresh garlic is always best, but if you don't have any on hand, you can use garlic powder instead. Please note that the flavor will be slightly less intense.
- Chicken broth - You can use either homemade chicken broth or store-bought for this recipe.
- Milk - Whole milk will give the creamiest consistency, but you can also use low-fat milk or even almond or coconut milk.
- Heavy cream - Will add an extra richness and creaminess to the dish. You can also use half-and-half as a substitute.
- Cheese - I used shredded mozzarella cheese and freshly grated parmesan cheese in this creamy recipe.
- Sundried tomatoes - Pick up a can of sundried tomatoes in oil and give them a rough chop for this skillet meal.
- Spinach - Fresh baby spinach adds color and nutrients to this dish. You can also use frozen chopped spinach if that's what you have on hand.
Adaptable recipe – make it your own!
- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite protein! Shrimp, or even sautéed mushrooms, work wonderfully and add a hearty touch.
- Any type of pasta can be swapped in here. Penne, fettuccine, or even zoodles for a low-carb option are great choices.
- Add your own twist with fresh basil, oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra heat.
Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoon butter
For the orzo:
- 2 Tablespoon butter
- 1 ½ cups dry orzo pasta
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
For the tuscan sauce:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to your liking
- 1 ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes in oil drained and roughly chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
Instructions
Cook the chicken:
- Place chicken thigh on a cutting board and sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large pot over medium high heat melt butter then sear chicken on one side for 5 minutes then flip and sear from the other side for about 2 minutes until golden.
- Remove chicken from pan and set aside on a plate.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thick slices.
Cook the orzo:
- In the same pot add butter then add dry orzo, keep stirring until orzo is golden.
- Add garlic and saute for 1 minute more.
- Add chicken broth and mix well, cover and lower heat to medium until orzo cooks.
The sauce:
- Uncover the pot and pour in milk, heavy cream then season with garlic powder, onion powder, black peppers.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Taste to adjust seasoning and add more salt if needed.
- Stir in the spinach and the sun dried tomatoes.
- Cook the mixture for a couple of minutes then add the chicken back.
- Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
Sign up and learn more about Mediterranean flavors
Your questions answered: FAQs
Yes, you can use water instead of broth, but keep in mind that broth adds extra flavor to the dish. If you choose to use water, consider adding a pinch of extra seasonings or herbs to make up for the flavor difference.
The dish gets its name from the Tuscan-inspired flavors it incorporates, such as garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauces often associated with Italian cuisine.
Absolutely! You can swap out the spinach for other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. If you prefer something different, try adding diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even broccoli for a tasty variation.
My notes
- To get a nice sear on the outside of the chicken, make sure that your skillet and butter are hot. The sear will give the chicken such a great flavor.
- Don't forget to scrape all the browned bits off the bottom of the pot when you add the chicken broth. This will add a rich flavor to your creamy sauce.
- I've found that it's best to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of the powdered kind. The powdered cheese will give your sauce a gritty texture.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate - Let the creamy chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Reheat - To reheat, simply place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin out the sauce if it has become too thick.
Freeze - This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above. However, due to the dairy, the sauce may separate when thawed.
Make Ahead
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be prepared ahead of time to make mealtime easier. Simply assemble the skillet meal as directed and cover with foil or plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
There is no better side dish to serve with a simple pasta meal like this one than a green side salad, such as this Copycat Panera Bread Greek Salad. And, a side of crusty Air Fryer Garlic Bread. This Coffee Milkshake also makes a wonderful dessert to end your meal.
You'll also like
Looking for more pasta recipes like this one? Some of my favorites are this Shrimp Scampi Recipe Without Wine, Cream Cheese Pasta, and this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. They all make great meals for your family.
Orzo is a very popular pasta type in the Mediterranean region. I love it and make lots of different recipes with this cute little pasta. One of my favorite recipes is a simple chicken orzo soup, and this vegetarian orzo. I will make sure to share the soup recipe soon.
Would you like to save this post?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Leave a Reply