Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
A quick and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, creamy orzo, and savory Italian ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), sliced horizontally Helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- to taste Salt and black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
- 1¼ cups uncooked orzo
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- to taste Salt and pepper
- to taste Red pepper flakes or lemon juice, for garnish Optional for serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create cutlets.
- Season both sides generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken cutlets for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Cooking Orzo
- In the same skillet, lower heat and add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in uncooked orzo and cook for about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes.
Final Assembly
- Once orzo is tender, stir in heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing cheese to melt and spinach to wilt.
- Slice cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Serve garnished with red pepper flakes or lemon juice if desired.
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Notes
To enhance flavor, consider adding more cream or substitute with vegetable/chicken broth mixed with cream. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.