Description
This Tuscan-Style Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender diced chicken, flavorful vegetables, and orzo pasta cooked in a rich tomato and cream sauce. Infused with Italian herbs and fresh spinach, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, this dish brings the taste of Tuscany to your table in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 500g diced chicken breast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Fresh spinach, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Pantry and Dairy
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 300g orzo pasta
- 200ml chicken broth
- 100ml heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté until softened, around 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer with orzo and tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes, dried Italian herbs, orzo pasta, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add cream and spinach: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine and season: Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Mix everything together thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Fresh basil is best added just before serving to preserve its bright flavor.
- Ensure the orzo is cooked just right to maintain a pleasing texture without becoming mushy.
