Description
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo is a rich and flavorful one-pan dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with a luscious creamy orzo infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh spinach. Perfect for an easy yet elegant Italian-inspired dinner, it balances hearty protein with a deliciously creamy pasta base.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Sauce and Orzo
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to build a flavorful crust.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Toast the Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo and toast it in the butter and garlic for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and develop a nutty flavor.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Liquids: Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer Orzo: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened into a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese and Spinach: Stir in grated Parmesan and fresh baby spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt fully into the sauce, enriching the texture and flavor.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the creamy orzo mixture. Simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and include a bit of the oil when sautéing the garlic.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter version of the dish.
- This recipe is adaptable – boneless chicken thighs or shrimp can be used instead of chicken breasts.
