Description
A delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo features chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a luxurious cream sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1½ cups orzo pasta
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
- Extra parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, sautéing for another minute.
- Add the orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the butter and aromatics.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet, letting the orzo cook for about 10 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Once the orzo is tender, pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and let everything simmer together for 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.
- Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish.
Notes
For a healthier twist, swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
