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Easy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo photo

Tuscan Chicken and Orzo

Creamy Tuscan chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and orzo cooked in a savory broth for a quick one-pan meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1½ pounds)
  • 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
  • cups sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • cups orzo
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • fresh parsley chopped, for finishing
  • lemon juice to taste, for finishing

Equipment

  • Cast Iron Skillet

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken thighs on both sides with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add the chicken thighs and brown 3–4 minutes per side until golden; remove chicken to a plate.
  4. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet, then add the chopped onion and a pinch of salt; cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Add the orzo to the pan and toast, stirring, for about 1–2 minutes.
  7. Pour in 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  8. Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, cover, and simmer 10–15 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  9. Remove the chicken to a plate; stir the fresh spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan into the orzo until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy.
  10. Return the chicken to the skillet to warm through, then finish with chopped fresh parsley, additional Parmesan if desired, and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste.

Notes

  • Cast iron retains heat well but any large nonstick skillet will work.
  • Browning the chicken first improves flavor and helps it finish cooking evenly.
  • Toasting the orzo before adding broth adds nuttiness.
  • Covering the pan while simmering helps the orzo absorb liquid.
  • Cooked chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165–175°F.