Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo

Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup orzo pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes; 2 cups fresh spinach; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon butter; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

November 24, 2025

Updated:

November 24, 2025

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This Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and textures, making it suitable for both elegant dinner parties and cozy weeknight meals. The creamy sauce envelops perfectly cooked chicken and orzo pasta, offering a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite. With its bold ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Skillet Convenience: This dish minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor, making it perfect for busy nights.
Rich Flavors: The combination of creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan creates a mouthwatering experience.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Quick Cooking Time: In just 35 minutes, you can serve a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To create this Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Measuring spoons
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken and easy mixing of ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect flavor balance in this dish.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, ensuring prep time is minimized.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Orzo and Sauce:

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

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/75°C internal temperature). Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté and Toast

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter.
Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add orzo to the skillet; cook for 1–2 minutes while stirring until lightly golden.

Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes

Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth; bring mixture to a simmer.
Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Pour in heavy cream; stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Add chopped spinach; stir until wilted.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return cooked chicken to the pan; spoon some sauce over the top.
Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired before serving warm.

This recipe presents a delicious opportunity to savor Mediterranean flavors right at home! Enjoy your meal!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo

Serving Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo is a delightful experience that can be tailored to suit various occasions. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken.
Caesar Salad: The classic flavors of Caesar salad with crisp romaine and creamy dressing provide a nice contrast.

Add Garlic Bread

Toasted Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttered garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. It’s a perfect addition to your meal.
Cheesy Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks topped with melted cheese add an irresistible cheesy element.

Present with Wine

White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc pairs well, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors in the dish.
Red Wine: A light Pinot Noir also complements the savory notes of chicken and sun-dried tomatoes.

How to Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo

For optimal results when preparing Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Bold seasoning: Don’t shy away from seasoning your chicken well before cooking. This enhances flavor significantly.
Fresh ingredients: Use fresh spinach and premium sun-dried tomatoes for vibrant taste and texture.
Monitored heat: Keep an eye on your heat levels while cooking; medium is best for ensuring even cooking without burning.
Cream consistency: Adjust the heavy cream amount based on desired sauce thickness—less for lighter sauce and more for richness.
Resting chicken: Allow cooked chicken to rest briefly outside the skillet before slicing for juicier meat.
Garnish generously: Don’t forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for added flavor and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo

To complement your Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo, consider these delightful side dishes. They not only enhance your meal but also add variety to your table.

Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious crunch that balances the creaminess of the main dish.
Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus in olive oil and roast until tender; its earthiness pairs beautifully with Tuscan flavors.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a rich side that works well with any sauce.
Grilled Zucchini: Lightly grilled zucchini provides a fresh and smoky flavor that complements the rich chicken dish.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction offer a refreshing contrast.
Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf mixed with herbs can be a healthy alternative that adds texture and nutrients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season both sides generously before cooking.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Not stirring the orzo: If you neglect to stir the orzo while it simmers, it may stick to the bottom of the skillet. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Using low-quality ingredients: Using inferior sun-dried tomatoes or cream can affect the dish’s richness. Opt for high-quality products for maximum flavor.
Forgetting about leftovers: Leaving leftovers out can spoil them quickly. Store any remaining creamy tuscan chicken with orzo in an airtight container promptly.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Make sure to let it cool before sealing.

Freezing Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo

Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
Best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor.
Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil; heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth and stir until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice, but cooking times may vary.

How do I make this recipe lighter?

To lighten up Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the amount of cheese.

What can I serve with Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo?

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything except adding spinach and cream ahead of time. Just finish it off when you’re ready to serve.

What variations can I try?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also swap chicken for shrimp or keep it vegetarian by omitting meat entirely!

Final Thoughts

Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Orzo is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion—be it a cozy dinner at home or an elegant gathering. The rich flavors combined with tender pasta make this dish irresistible. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or protein options! Enjoy experimenting in your kitchen!