Dinner Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Tender chicken, creamy parmesan orzo, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes come together in one skillet for a comforting Tuscan-inspired dinner that’s packed with flavor.

40 mins Easy Dinner
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts or 4 chicken thighs
  • 1 cup dry orzo
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan, freshly grated
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.

3

Transfer the chicken to a plate. It does not need to be fully cooked yet because it will finish cooking with the orzo.

4

Reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.

5

Add the dry orzo to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes so it lightly toasts and absorbs the flavor from the pan.

6

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any golden bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

7

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring the orzo occasionally so it does not stick.

8

Once the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.

9

Add the freshly grated parmesan and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and glossy.

10

Add the spinach and let it wilt into the creamy orzo for 1–2 minutes.

11

Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or parmesan if needed.

12

Serve warm with fresh basil, extra parmesan, and a little cracked black pepper on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy Tuscan chicken orzo is cozy, rich, and full of flavor while still being simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Everything cooks in one skillet, making it comforting without creating a pile of dishes.

  • One-pan dinner
  • Creamy and comforting
  • Family-friendly flavor
  • Great leftovers for the next day

Ingredient Notes

Chicken thighs stay especially juicy, but chicken breasts also work well if you prefer a leaner option.

Orzo cooks directly in the broth, soaking up all the garlic, tomato, and chicken flavor. Parmesan and cream create the silky sauce, while spinach adds freshness at the end.

Tips For The Best Orzo

  • Toast the orzo briefly before adding broth for extra flavor.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan so the sauce melts smoothly.
  • Stir often near the end so the orzo stays creamy.
  • Add spinach at the very end so it stays bright and fresh.

Variations

Swap chicken for shrimp, use kale instead of spinach, add mushrooms with the garlic, or stir in chili flakes for a little heat.