Description
Enjoy a creamy Tuscan chicken orzo, a one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a rich sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with ease!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, rubbing the spices in well.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part; it should be no longer pink inside.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, covering it with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juices.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and toast slightly for 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.
- While the orzo cooks, chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the baby spinach until wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined for a rich texture.
- Add the chopped chicken and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the chicken is heated through. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and spoon the Tuscan chicken orzo into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Tuscan chicken orzo!
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if too thick.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes