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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

This creamy Tuscan chicken orzo with sundried tomatoes and spinach is a delightful and easy weeknight dinner that can be made in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large shallot finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 0.5 cup sundried tomatoes
  • 1.5 cups orzo
  • 0.5 cup white cooking wine
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard optional
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
  • 3 cups vegetable stock substitute chicken stock or water
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups fresh spinach substitute 1 cup frozen spinach
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil sliced
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise so that they're thinner and cook more quickly. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • In a large skillet or cast iron, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 1-2 minutes on each side. Then remove and set aside.
  • Add in the butter, shallot, garlic, and red pepper flakes and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and aromatic.
  • Then add in the sundried tomatoes and dry orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Then add in the white wine to de-glaze the pan and make sure to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot.
  • Stir in the Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Place the chicken breasts back in the pan. Then cover and let simmer for 10-15 minutes (stirring occasionally so that the orzo doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan) until both the orzo and chicken are fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  • Remove the chicken breasts and thinly slice.
  • Then stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, spinach, basil, and lemon juice. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Top with the sliced chicken breasts and garnish with fresh basil!

Notes

This orzo is best eaten the same day, but will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The orzo will soak up the sauce in the fridge, so it's best to reheat on the stove with a little extra broth or cream to add more moisture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 26gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 751mgPotassium: 587mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1291IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 152mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Chicken, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo, easy dinner, one-pan recipe, orzo, sundried tomatoes
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