The Art of Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo with Authentic Italian Flavors

Perfect Chicken Searing Mastery

Master the technique of achieving golden-brown chicken with juicy, tender interior texture.

Orzo Cooking Excellence

Learn the skill of cooking orzo to perfect al dente texture while building flavorful base.

Creamy Sauce Perfection

Perfect the method of creating silky, lump-free cream sauce with ideal consistency.

Flavor Layering Technique

Master the art of building complex Tuscan flavors through proper ingredient sequencing.

One-Pan Assembly Strategy

Learn optimal timing and technique for combining all elements into cohesive dish.

Restaurant-Quality Tuscan Orzo Mastery Secrets for Perfect Creamy Texture

Chicken Perfection: Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Orzo Texture: Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking to bottom of pan.

Cream Integration: Add cream cheese gradually while stirring to prevent lumps forming.

Spinach Timing: Add spinach at the end to maintain vibrant color and prevent overcooking.

Wine Substitute: Use additional chicken broth if you prefer to omit the white wine.

Make-Ahead Tip: Dish reheats well with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; For the Orzo Base:; 1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup white wine; For the Tuscan Flavors:; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, diced; 5 ounces fresh spinach; For the Creamy Sauce:; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; For the Herb Enhancement:; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh oregano; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; For the Finishing Touches:; 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted; Extra Parmesan for serving

The ultimate one-pan creamy Tuscan chicken orzo featuring tender chicken breast, al dente orzo pasta, and a rich creamy sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs. This restaurant-quality comfort food masterpiece combines the rustic flavors of Tuscany with the convenience of a single skillet meal, creating an unforgettable dining experience that brings together succulent chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a luxuriously creamy sauce infused with garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying dinner that's both elegant and comforting.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

40 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Chicken:

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Orzo Base:

1 1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup white wine

For the Tuscan Flavors:

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

5 ounces fresh spinach

For the Creamy Sauce:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon tomato paste

For the Herb Enhancement:

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh oregano

2 teaspoons fresh thyme

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Finishing Touches:

1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

Extra Parmesan for serving

Red pepper flakes to taste

Lemon wedges for serving

For the Aromatics:

2 bay leaves

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For Special Equipment:

Large oven-safe skillet

Meat thermometer

Wooden spoon

Tongs

Instructions

Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Heat olive oil in large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken breasts 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove chicken from skillet and let rest before slicing into strips.

In same skillet, sauté diced onion until softened and translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.

Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release oils.

Pour in white wine and scrape up any browned bits from bottom.

Add orzo pasta, chicken broth, and bay leaves to the skillet.

Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered.

Cook for 12-15 minutes stirring occasionally until orzo is tender.

Stir in heavy cream and softened cream cheese until smooth.

Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted into the sauce.

Remove bay leaves and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.

Season with fresh herbs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.

Return sliced chicken to skillet and warm through gently.

Garnish with toasted pine nuts and fresh chopped parsley.

Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.

Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired before serving.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo with Authentic Italian Flavors

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

Ingredients

Instructions