Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo is a delightful one-skillet dish that transports you to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection and then simmered in a luscious creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Paired with tender orzo pasta that absorbs all the rich flavors, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 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
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth; bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add chopped spinach and stir until wilted.
- Return chicken to the pan; simmer for an additional 2 minutes to heat through before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Substitute chicken with turkey for variety or use gluten-free orzo pasta. Letting the dish rest for a few minutes before serving helps meld the flavors beautifully.