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+ servings

Tuscan Chicken Orzo

A creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, orzo pasta, and vibrant Tuscan-inspired vegetables, all cooked in one pot for an easy weeknight meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper divided
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
For the Orzo
  • 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
  • 3 cups chicken broth low-sodium recommended
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup baby spinach washed and roughly chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ cup heavy cream for creaminess
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated, plus more for serving

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Season the chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. This enhances the flavor of the chicken.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.
  3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Cook the Vegetables and Orzo
  1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. This step builds the base flavor.
  2. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
  4. Add the orzo pasta and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Finish the Dish
  1. Stir in the cooked chicken, chopped spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning with remaining salt and pepper as needed.
  3. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth. Ensure to stir frequently while cooking the orzo to prevent sticking.

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