Name: The Best Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 cups fresh spinach; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 151 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than The Best Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe. This one-pan wonder perfectly balances tender, golden chicken breasts with creamy orzo pasta, bright spinach, and rich sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a meal where every bite bursts with vibrant Tuscan flavors, yet it comes together with such ease that it will quickly become your go-to for weeknight dinners. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will easily earn a permanent spot in your culinary rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of several small white bowls and a white plate with raw chicken on a white marbled surface. Three raw chicken fillets with a pale pink color lie in the center on a white plate. Around the plate, clockwise from the top left, there is a lemon, a small white bowl with yellow oil, a white bowl filled with dark green leafy spinach, a white bowl with fresh green parsley, a white jug with light yellow broth, a white bowl with small light beige orzo pasta, an oval white bowl filled with white cream or milk, a white bowl with shredded white cheese, a white bowl with minced garlic, a white bowl with two small pieces of butter, and a white bowl with sun-dried red tomatoes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of The Best Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe lies in its simple, yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each element plays a key role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture that make this dish truly special.

4 chicken breasts, boneless skinless: The main protein, tender and juicy when cooked perfectly, offering a hearty base to the dish.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth of the chicken and adds aromatic warmth.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the seasoning.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the chicken beautifully while imparting rich flavor.
1 tablespoon butter: Brings a silky richness when sautéing aromatics that starts the flavor build-up.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic elevates the dish with its bold fragrance and taste.
1 small yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and a tender texture contrast.
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Bursts of tangy, concentrated tomato flavor that create a true Tuscan character.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs for that classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
1 cup orzo pasta: The silky, rice-shaped pasta that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
2 cups chicken broth: Builds the savory base and moisture necessary for perfectly cooked orzo.
½ cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess to make the dish rich and comforting.
2 cups fresh spinach: Introduces vibrant green color and fresh earthiness that balances the richness.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that addictive umami finish and a creamy texture.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): A fresh, herbal note that brightens every mouthful.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.

How to Make The Best Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple seasoning boosts the chicken’s natural flavor and sets the stage for a golden crust during cooking. Don’t rush this step; thoughtful seasoning is key to a delicious dish.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside, allowing the pan to retain all those flavorful browned bits.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and finely diced onion, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is soft, fragrant, and inviting. This step is critical because it creates the savory aromatic foundation that the rest of the dish will build upon.

Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Italian Seasoning

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the skillet. Let this cook for 1 to 2 minutes to meld the tomatoes’ tangy sweetness with the herbs, infusing the whole dish with classic Tuscan character.

Step 5: Cook the Orzo

Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and stir well to coat each grain in the fragrant mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo becomes tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. This is where the pasta soaks up all those amazing flavors and becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Step 6: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan

Turn the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream. Add fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, letting it add that lush green freshness. Finish by stirring in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce turns delectably creamy, coating the orzo perfectly and bringing the dish to luxurious completion.

Step 7: Combine and Warm the Chicken

Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the creamy orzo. Let everything mingle and heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and herbal brightness. Now you’re ready to serve a dish that’s bursting with flavor and warmth!

How to Serve The Best Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe

A round black cast iron pan holds a creamy orzo pasta base mixed with small green leafy bits and red tomato chunks, creating a rich background layer with a textured, slightly glossy surface. On top of this creamy pasta, two sliced grilled chicken pieces are placed in the center, each chicken layer showing golden brown grill marks and a moist interior. The grilled chicken slices are arranged in two fan shapes with fresh green herbs sprinkled all over. Two small sprigs of fresh rosemary sit in the middle, adding a dark green accent. The entire dish has a light dusting of grated white cheese and black pepper for texture and contrast. The pan rests on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby, and a small bowl with grated cheese is seen at the top-right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a wonderful garnish that adds a pop of green and a fresh, slightly peppery note. For an extra touch, a light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This luscious Tuscan chicken orzo is quite a complete meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables will add a satisfying crunch and extra freshness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also makes a perfect accompaniment, ready to scoop up every last bit of creamy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation sure to impress. Alternatively, plating the chicken sliced over a bed of orzo with a sprinkle of parmesan and parsley creates an elegant look perfect for entertaining. Consider a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an added flair that complements the Tuscan flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Tuscan chicken orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to stash some for busy nights. Pack it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to preserve delicate textures and flavors.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help revive the creaminess. Microwaving works too, but do so in short bursts to keep everything from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy, though they may take slightly longer to cook. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Is sun-dried tomato paste a good substitute for chopped sun-dried tomatoes?

You can use sun-dried tomato paste, but since it’s more concentrated, use it sparingly. The texture will change slightly, but the intense flavor still works beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms or chickpeas. The creamy orzo and sun-dried tomatoes still make a delicious base without meat.

What if I don’t have orzo pasta?

Any small pasta like acini di pepe, or even small shell pasta, will work. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since pasta shapes cook at different speeds.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild and full of savory and creamy comfort flavors rather than heat. You can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a gentle kick.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to delight your taste buds with a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome, don’t hesitate to try The Best Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe. It strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, making dinner feel like a special occasion any night of the week. Once you make it, prepare for it to become one of your most beloved recipes—one pan, endless joy!