This Easy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet is a cozy one-pan meal! Juicy chicken, creamy spinach, and tender orzo come together in a delightful mix of flavors and colors.
You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together! I often top it with a sprinkle of cheese for that extra yum factor. Who doesn’t love a good cheesy finish? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness. If you prefer, chicken breasts can be used instead, but they’ll be a bit leaner and might need a shorter cooking time.
Orzo Pasta: The small, rice-shaped pasta adds a nice texture. If you can’t find orzo, try substituting with another small pasta like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great for this dish because it wilts beautifully. If you don’t have it, kale or even frozen spinach works well; just make sure to thaw and drain it first!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a lovely cheesy flavor. For a twist, try Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken perfectly is key to this dish. Here’s my approach:
- Start by heating the oil in the skillet until hot. This helps get a nice browning.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side. You want it golden brown on the outside, and it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps it juicy and tender! Once rested, cut it into pieces if preferred, and return it to the skillet for the last couple of steps.
Easy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, crumbled (optional for extra flavor)
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or kale, as desired)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Most of this is cooking time, with just a few minutes for prep work. You’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
First, sprinkle some salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re well coated.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sautéing the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and chopped celery. Sauté them for about 4 minutes until they’re soft and translucent, which will enhance the flavors of your dish.
4. Adding Sausage (Optional):
If you’re using Italian sausage for extra flavor, crumble it into the skillet now and cook until it’s browned. This will add a delicious depth to your meal.
5. Toasting the Orzo:
Stir in the orzo pasta and let it cook in the skillet for 1-2 minutes, just until it’s lightly toasted. This step brings out a wonderful nutty flavor!
6. Simmering:
Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—those add amazing flavor! Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
7. Combining Everything:
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them back into the orzo mixture. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is heated through.
8. Finishing Touches:
Now, stir in the chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sauce turns creamy. It’s looking delicious!
9. Taste and Adjust:
Give the dish a taste and feel free to add more salt and pepper if needed, according to your preference.
10. Serving:
Finally, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful Tuscan chicken and orzo skillet!
This delicious one-pan meal is perfect for a cozy dinner, bringing together creamy textures and earthy flavors, making it an instant favorite!
FAQ for Easy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Skillet
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While orzo works perfectly in this dish, you can also substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
You can reduce the amount of cream for a lighter version or replace it with Greek yogurt for creaminess without the extra calories. Additionally, using whole grain orzo will boost the fiber content!
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
No worries! You can use kale instead, or if you have frozen spinach, that works too—just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.
