Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and creamy textures, perfect for special occasions or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (about 200 g) orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup (about 75 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups (about 60 g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup (about 240 ml) heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (about 50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups (about 480 ml) chicken broth or water
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavors.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and pour in the chicken broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing everything together until the spinach wilts and the mixture is well combined. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.
- You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken, Orzo, Italian, Comfort Food