Tuscan Chicken and Orzo One Pan Recipe
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Thighs and Orzo is a one-pan dinner rich with flavors, perfect for everyone at the table. Enjoy this easy Italian inspired chicken dish tonight!
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs *
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 0.5 onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 0.67 cup sun-dried tomatoes **chopped
- 1.5 cups orzo ***
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups fresh spinach ****
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once heated, add in the chicken thighs, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Remove the chicken from the pan. Add in the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Add ½ onion chopped, sprinkle with salt, and cook for a couple minutes until softened.
- Add 4 cloves garlic minced and ⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another minute.
- Stir in 1½ cups orzo.
- Add in 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Place the chicken thighs back in the pan.
- Cover the pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the orzo is cooked.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the pan once again.
- Stir in 3 cups fresh spinach, ½ cup heavy cream, and ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese.
- Return chicken thighs to the pan.
- Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, more parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Notes
*I perfected the timing for this one pan recipe using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Bone-in thighs or breasts will require adjustments. **Sun-dried tomatoes are ideal for this recipe. But cherry or grape tomatoes are the next best option--they won't have the same texture or flavor. ***The only orzo substitute I would recommend for this dish is ditalini pasta. You might have success with similar pastas or small grains like couscous, but I have not tested this. ****Kale, arugula, or another green can be used. Or leave out.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 755kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 50gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 201mgSodium: 696mgPotassium: 1531mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 2812IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 169mgIron: 5mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!