Pin Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Skillet is one of those magical one-pan dinners I keep coming back to when busy evenings call for comfort and ease. You get juicy bites of chicken nestled into tender orzo, all bathed in a velvety sauce that soaks up sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Minimal dishes and maximum flavor you feel like you are eating out in a cozy Italian trattoria
The first time I made this was to impress friends who came for an impromptu weeknight dinner I loved how quickly it came together and it instantly joined my regular rotation
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: juicy and tender they make the dish hearty and flavorful always pick boneless skinless for quick cooking
- Olive oil: for searing chicken and building up that golden flavor base use extra virgin for the best aroma
- Italian seasoning: infuses each bite with classic herbal notes a quality blend makes all the difference
- Garlic powder: boosts savory depth check your spices are fresh for vibrant taste
- Onion and garlic: these aromatics add sweet warmth and layers of flavor go for a firm onion and plump garlic cloves
- Orzo pasta: tiny rice-shaped pasta cooks up silky in a skillet for a risotto effect look for a brand with minimal breakage in the bag
- Chicken broth: brings out the richness use low-sodium for more control over seasoning
- Heavy cream: the key to the luscious texture choose a fresh carton for the best creaminess
- Sun-dried tomatoes: tangy and chewy they pop in each bite try oil-packed and blot off excess before chopping
- Dried oregano and basil: round out the Italian profile use fresh dried spices for the fullest flavor
- Red pepper flakes: optional for gentle heat use as much or as little as you like
- Fresh baby spinach: wilts quickly for a hit of color and nutrition pick crisp green bunches without bruising
- Parmesan cheese: grated just before using gives the best melt and sharp bite go for real Parmigiano-Reggiano if you can
- Fresh basil: adds a burst of herbal brightness right at the end tear it for aromatic oils
- Lemon wedges: bright touch to balance all the rich flavors use juicy ripe lemons
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Toss chicken thigh pieces with Italian seasoning garlic powder salt and pepper until evenly coated this gives them a punch of flavor even before cooking
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high wait for the oil to shimmer before adding chicken pieces arrange them in an even layer and let them sear undisturbed for four minutes then turn each piece cook for another two to four minutes until they are golden and cooked through remove the chicken to a plate and set aside
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add diced onion to the same skillet using remaining oil and flavorful fond reduce heat slightly and stir occasionally scrape up any golden bits as the onion softens after about four minutes add the minced garlic stir for just thirty seconds you want it fragrant but not browned
- Toast the Orzo:
- Sprinkle orzo pasta into the skillet and toss to coat in oil aromatics and leftover chicken bits stir for one minute this step helps the orzo absorb all the flavors and keeps the grains separate
- Simmer the Base:
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream add chopped sun-dried tomatoes dried oregano dried basil and red pepper flakes if using stir thoroughly bring mixture to a steady simmer let orzo cook uncovered for twelve to fifteen minutes stir frequently to prevent sticking you want a creamy consistency with most liquid absorbed not dry
- Fold in Chicken and Greens:
- Return cooked chicken and any collected juices to the skillet add all the baby spinach in handfuls stir gently until spinach wilts down in about two to three minutes and chicken is warmed through
- Finish and Serve:
- Take skillet off heat sprinkle over grated parmesan and freshly chopped basil stir until creamy and silky taste for seasoning squeeze a wedge of lemon over the top just before serving to make flavors sing
Pin My favorite ingredient here is definitely sun-dried tomatoes those little pockets of tangy richness absolutely transform the sauce and always wow anyone who tries the dish I remember my daughter picking out the tomatoes on her first taste and declaring they were her favorite new thing
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to three days Add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to bring back the creamy texture Avoid freezing with whole dairy for the smoothest results though it works if you do not mind a little sauce separation
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need gluten free use arborio rice or your favorite small gluten free pasta and extend the cook time If you want a lighter sauce swap out the heavy cream for half and half or whole milk For a vegetarian version use mushrooms and vegetable broth instead of chicken
Serving Suggestions
Serve this skillet straight from the pan for a rustic table centerpiece I like to add extra basil and a sprinkle of parmesan on each bowl A crisp green salad and some crusty bread round out the meal beautifully
Tuscan Inspiration
This dish draws from the sunny flavors of Tuscany with plenty of herbs olive oil and sun dried tomato Some families in Italy will use whatever greens are handy from kale to chard the point is making a hearty forgiving meal from what you have on hand
Seasonal Adaptations
In spring swap spinach for baby arugula or fresh peas Come fall stir in a handful of roasted butternut squash cubes During colder months mushrooms add extra earthy flavor and soak up the sauce beautifully
Success Stories
When I brought a big batch of this to a potluck the pan was scraped clean in minutes Everyone asked for the recipe and commented on how the flavors layered so nicely It is an absolute favorite for feeding a crowd
Freezer Meal Conversion
To freeze portion into individual containers and cool completely before sealing Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat gently on the stove with a splash of extra broth Or freeze without cream and add it fresh while reheating for the smoothest sauce
Pin Dig into this skillet for dinner and enjoy all the bright savory flavors of Tuscany on a busy weeknight no travel required
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well. Cut into similar bite-sized pieces and take care not to overcook for the best texture.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Swap orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice. Adjust liquid and cooking time since substitutes may absorb differently.
- → What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter consistency. Non-dairy creamers can also be used if desired.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dish reheats well. Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to maintain its creamy texture.
- → Are there additional veggies that work in this skillet?
Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added when sautéing the onion for extra color and flavor variety.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for several days and makes a convenient lunch or dinner when reheated.