Tuscan Chicken Orzo

An overhead image of a bowl of chicken orzo.

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Looking for a delicious and easy dinner? Try this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo! Packed with Italian flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and tender chicken, all tossed with orzo in a dreamy sauce.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian / American

Diet: Halal

Servings: Servings

Calories: 569kcal

Author: Amira

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.

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