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Tuscan Chicken Orzo

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A cozy, easy weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach simmered with orzo pasta for a comforting Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in white wine (if using) and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce.
  5. Add chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in orzo pasta, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if needed.
  7. Slice chicken into bite-size pieces and add to the skillet along with spinach. Cover and cook 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts and chicken is warmed through.
  8. Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if available. Let sit 5 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to get a good crust. Stir orzo occasionally to prevent sticking but avoid over-stirring. Add extra broth if orzo absorbs too quickly. Add Parmesan off heat to keep sauce creamy. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese. Use gluten-free pasta or quinoa for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken orzo, easy dinner, weeknight meal, creamy chicken pasta, Mediterranean recipe, comfort food, one-pan meal

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/tuscan-chicken-orzo-recipe-easy-cozy-weeknight-dinner-idea/