Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided; ½ onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 3 cups fresh spinach; 1½ cups orzo pasta; 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped fresh parsley; Lemon juice

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If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and elegance all in one skillet, you have to try this Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe. This meal combines juicy, tender chicken thighs with perfectly cooked orzo, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce studded with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It’s a true Italian-inspired favorite that feels indulgent yet is so simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this one-pan wonder will quickly become the highlight of your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients. The largest bowl at the bottom center contains four raw chicken thighs seasoned with black pepper. Above it to the right is a bowl filled with fresh spinach leaves, and next to it on the right is a small glass jar of cream. To the left of the chicken bowl, a bowl holds finely chopped white onions, above it another bowl contains grated Parmesan cheese. A bowl of sun-dried tomatoes sits next to the Parmesan, and above that is another bowl filled with minced garlic. Lastly, a bowl filled with uncooked orzo pasta is positioned at the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these essential ingredients is your first step toward creating a dish bursting with Italian flair. Each component plays a vital role: the chicken thighs bring juicy richness, sun-dried tomatoes add a delicious tang, and fresh spinach delivers vibrant color and nutrition.

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide moist, flavorful meat that stays tender throughout cooking.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that elevates the overall flavor.
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided: For browning the chicken and sautéing vegetables with a lovely richness.
½ onion, chopped: Provides subtle sweetness and aromatics.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that unmistakable garlic punch that pairs perfectly with chicken.
⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Adds sweetness and tang with a chewy texture.
1½ cups orzo: A delightful pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and infuses flavor into the orzo.
3 cups fresh spinach: For a fresh, slightly earthy balance and vibrant green color.
½ cup heavy cream: Creates the signature creamy base that coats every bite.
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness and a perfect finish.
Optional for serving – chopped fresh parsley and lemon juice: These brighten and freshen the final dish beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This simple step ensures every bite is flavorful from the start. Heat half of your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Browning locks in juices and adds that amazing caramelized flavor you want in every bite. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside temporarily.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Tomatoes

With the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, then toss in the chopped onion. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and cook just until softened and translucent — this will bring out the onion’s natural sweetness. Next, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to cook together for just about a minute. This step releases the garlicky aroma and softens the sun-dried tomatoes, enhancing their tang and depth of flavor.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo and Add Broth

Now for the magic of the orzo! Stir in the orzo and let it toast with the aromatics for a couple of minutes. Toasting brings out a delightful nuttiness in the pasta, making the finished dish truly special. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This broth will infuse the orzo with flavor as it cooks and creates the base of that creamy sauce.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Chicken and Orzo Together

Place the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them into the orzo and broth. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, giving the orzo a chance to absorb the liquid and the chicken to finish cooking to perfection. This combined cooking melds the flavors beautifully and ensures every element is tender and juicy.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach, Cream, and Parmesan

Remove the chicken thighs one more time and stir fresh spinach, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese into the orzo. The spinach will wilt into the richness of the sauce while the cream and parmesan create that trademark **creamy Tuscan** texture and flavor. Return the chicken to the skillet for one last warm-up, then your dish is ready to be served.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe

A white plate holds a serving of orzo pasta mixed with bright green spinach leaves and red sun-dried tomatoes, giving a colorful and textured base layer. On top of the pasta lies a golden brown cooked chicken piece covered with a light creamy sauce, sprinkled with black pepper and white cheese flakes. A silver fork rests on the left side of the plate, and the whole setting is placed on a white marbled surface with a sprig of fresh parsley and a halved lemon nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing this dish thoughtfully elevates your presentation and flavor. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and color that complements the richness of the sauce. A quick squeeze of lemon juice just before serving brightens the creamy flavors and balances the savory elements beautifully.

Side Dishes

This skillet is a satisfying meal on its own, but if you want to round out the dinner, light side dishes pair wonderfully. Consider a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a bit of crunch and earthiness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette can also be fantastic to soak up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve the chicken on a rustic wooden board with the orzo plated on the side, ensuring the sauce glistens invitingly. Individual ramekins with a sprinkle of parmesan and parsley on top make for delightful personal servings. For a festive touch, drizzle with a little high-quality olive oil or a few more sun-dried tomato pieces right before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe keep beautifully when stored properly. Transfer your leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal that’s just as satisfying.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Be aware that the texture of the spinach may change slightly upon thawing, but the flavors remain wonderful.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight if possible. Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts to maintain creaminess and prevent the chicken from drying out. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating helps rejuvenate the sauce perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can substitute chicken breasts, but they cook faster and can dry out more easily, so watch cooking times closely. The recipe is perfected for boneless, skinless thighs, which stay juicier and more tender.

Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?

Sun-dried tomatoes add a unique tang and chewy texture that really define the flavor, but if you don’t have them, you could use cherry or grape tomatoes. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

What if I don’t have orzo pasta?

Ditalini pasta is the best substitute for orzo in this recipe. While you might try other small pastas or even couscous, they won’t absorb the sauce or cook the same way.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

This dish relies heavily on chicken for protein and flavor, so to make it vegetarian, you’d want to swap the chicken for hearty mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth. However, it won’t be the same creamy Tuscan chicken experience.

Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Fresh spinach brings the best texture and color, but in a pinch, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet Recipe a spot on your dinner table very soon! Its rich flavors, one-pan convenience, and comforting creaminess make it a genuine crowd-pleaser. Once you try it, this will undoubtedly become one of your go-to recipes for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. Happy cooking and even happier eating!