Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 large chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 large shallot, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup sundried tomatoes; 1 ½ cups orzo; ½ cup white cooking wine; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional); 2 teaspoons fresh thyme; 3 cups vegetable stock (substitute chicken stock or water); 1 cup heavy cream; 3 cups fresh spinach (substitute 1 cup frozen spinach); ½ cup parmesan cheese; ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced; 2 teaspoons lemon juice

If weeknights could have a love language, it might just be this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo. Imagine golden-seared chicken nestled in a luscious, garlicky sauce with orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a gush of velvety cream. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a colorful, one-pan dinner that tastes like pure comfort with a hint of Italian sunshine. The real magic here? It feels special enough for guests but simple enough for a cozy dinner at home—no complicated steps, just good food that brings everyone to the table.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo so irresistible is how each ingredient plays its part—richness from the cream, brightness from the lemon, and a pop of color from sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. You likely have most of what you need already, and the rest are easy to find. Here’s what goes into this fabulous skillet!

Olive oil: A splash brings the chicken to a gorgeous golden sear and infuses the dish with Mediterranean flavor.
Chicken breasts: Slicing them thinner means quicker cooking and tender, juicy bites in every forkful.
Unsalted butter: Adds decadent richness, helping to mellow the tang of shallots and garlic.
Shallot: Brings a subtle, aromatic sweetness you can’t get from regular onions.
Garlic: Essential for a deep, savory backbone—don’t be shy with those cloves!
Red pepper flakes (optional): For anyone who loves a gentle heat that doesn’t overpower the creamy sauce.
Sundried tomatoes: These little gems infuse the orzo with sweet-tart bursts and a delightfully chewy texture.
Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta drinks up the sauce, making every bite creamy and satisfying.
White cooking wine: Lifts and balances the richness; scrape up those caramelized bits for maximum flavor.
Dijon mustard (optional): A tiny amount adds surprising depth—don’t skip unless you must!
Fresh thyme: Earthy and fragrant, it ties the Italian flavors together beautifully.
Vegetable stock: Lighter than chicken stock, keeping the sauce creamy but not overwhelming (but chicken stock works great too).
Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, luscious sauce texture.
Fresh spinach: Adds freshness and color; use frozen if that’s handy, but go fresh if you can.
Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving the whole skillet a magical savory edge.
Fresh basil: Sliced for herbal brightness that wakes up the entire dish.
Lemon juice: A little hit at the end balances the richness and ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise. This smaller, thinner cut ensures they cook quickly and stay beautifully tender. Season both sides with salt and pepper; this builds in flavor from the first step and sets the stage for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for just 1–2 minutes per side—enough to develop color and flavor without overcooking. Once perfectly browned, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate; it’ll finish cooking later right in the flavorful orzo.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add the butter followed by your chopped shallot, garlic, and those optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about five minutes, stirring gently, until everything is softened and incredibly fragrant—this is where the Tuscan spirit really starts to shine.

Step 4: Toast the Orzo and Sundried Tomatoes

It’s time for the orzo and sundried tomatoes to make their entrance! Toss them into the skillet and toast for a minute or two, stirring often. The orzo will begin to smell a bit nutty and the sundried tomatoes will start to release some of their concentrated sweetness into the pan.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in your white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown, flavorful bits clinging to the bottom. These create a deep, savory base for the sauce that makes Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo so luscious. Allow the wine to bubble for a minute, cooking off most of the alcohol.

Step 6: Add Flavor Heroes and Simmer

Now stir in Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, and your vegetable stock. Everything starts to come together! Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet, cover, and simmer on low for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the orzo tender and most of the liquid absorbed, so don’t forget to check in and stir so nothing sticks.

Step 7: Finish with Cream and Greens

Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a moment. Into your creamy base, whisk in the heavy cream, parmesan, spinach, fresh basil, and lemon juice. The spinach will wilt and the cheese will melt, creating a sauce that clings to every piece of orzo. Taste and season to perfection!

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Slice the chicken into thin strips and nestle them right back on top of the orzo. Garnish liberally with fresh basil for a pop of green and freshness. And just like that, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is ready to steal the spotlight!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Garnishes

Go big on garnishes! A shower of fresh basil and extra parmesan makes each bowl feel a little indulgent, while a quick twist of black pepper over the top sharpens the flavors. If you’re a lemon lover, a wedge on the side brings brightness in every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish almost feels like a meal in itself, but a crisp, simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette is a gorgeous counterpoint to all that creaminess. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce—trust me, you don’t want any left behind.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo in wide, shallow bowls for maximum visual appeal, making sure to arrange the chicken over a fluffy bed of orzo for dramatic effect. For a touch of fun, fill individual ramekins or mini cocottes for a dinner party, or turn leftovers into a next-day lunch in a thermos—still creamy, still delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The orzo soaks up the sauce over time, making leftovers just as flavorful (if a little thicker) the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for up to two months, though keep in mind that cream-based sauces can sometimes change texture. If you do freeze it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the creamy goodness.

Reheating

Reheat Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce. For a quick fix, the microwave works—just add a bit of extra liquid before heating and cover to retain that dreamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will stay juicy and bring even more flavor to the dish. Just make sure you adjust the cooking time if they’re thicker so the chicken cooks through.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Yes! You can swap out some or all of the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, realizing it may be a touch less rich but still totally comforting.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, try roasted red peppers or even cherry tomatoes (just sauté them a bit longer to concentrate their flavor). Each will lend a slightly different, delicious character.

Does orzo need to be pre-cooked for this recipe?

No pre-cooking needed—the orzo cooks right in the skillet, soaking up all that Tuscan-inspired sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.

Can I make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo ahead for a party?

Absolutely! Whip it up a few hours in advance, then gently reheat, adding a splash of cream or stock as needed. Wait to add fresh basil just before serving for the brightest flavor and color.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Whether you’re sharing it at the family table or sneaking an extra spoonful for yourself, you’ll love how cozy and crave-worthy it is. Grab your skillet—you’ve got a new weeknight favorite to try!