Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a rich and comforting one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, velvety orzo, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. The flavors blend beautifully, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and easy to make, perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

I first made this when I wanted something creamy and flavorful but with minimal cleanup, and it instantly became a favorite. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and Italian herbs, coats the orzo perfectly, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness. The spinach adds a fresh balance, making each bite irresistibly good.

What’s great about Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is how adaptable it is. You can swap in shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist, add mushrooms for extra depth, or use whole wheat orzo for a healthier spin. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress!

Perfect for:

Weeknight dinners
Cozy family meals
Date nights
Entertaining guests
Lovers of creamy, flavorful pasta dishes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo will become a staple in your kitchen:

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Rich and Creamy Sauce: Parmesan and heavy cream create a luxurious texture.
Juicy, Flavorful Chicken: The chicken is seared to golden perfection, locking in flavor.
Perfectly Cooked Orzo: The orzo absorbs the creamy sauce, making every bite deliciously infused with flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomato Magic: Adds a sweet-tart contrast that enhances the dish.
Nutritious Spinach: Provides a pop of color and extra nutrients.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Customizable: Adjust the spices, swap proteins, or add extra veggies.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, everyone will love it.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your guests with a dish that looks and tastes gourmet.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 550-600 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 28g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Orzo and Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon butter

Ingredient Highlights

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add a rich, tangy depth of flavor.
Orzo Pasta: A quick-cooking, creamy alternative to risotto.
Parmesan Cheese: Provides umami richness.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the Mediterranean flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

Season Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Orzo and Sauce:

Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Toast Orzo: Stir in the orzo and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
Cook Orzo: Cover and let cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add Cream and Parmesan: Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Stir in Spinach: Add chopped spinach and stir until wilted.
Return Chicken to Pan: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 2 minutes.

Serve:

Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and serve warm.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo:

With Garlic Bread: Pair with crusty garlic bread for soaking up the sauce.
As a Date-Night Meal: Serve with a glass of white wine for an elegant dinner.
With Roasted Vegetables: Balance the creaminess with roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
Over Zucchini Noodles: For a lower-carb alternative.
With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing complements the flavors.
Topped with Extra Cheese: A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or feta adds more richness.
With Grilled Shrimp: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
As a Meal Prep Option: Makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.
With a Lemon Wedge: A squeeze of lemon adds brightness to the dish.
For a Special Occasion: Serve as a centerpiece meal for gatherings.

Additional Tips

Use High-Quality Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds a richer, more authentic flavor than pre-packaged cheese.
Sear the Chicken Well – A golden-brown crust on the chicken locks in juices and adds depth to the dish.
Deglaze the Pan – After cooking the chicken, use a splash of white wine or chicken broth to lift the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
Use Heavy Cream for Creaminess – For the best texture, use heavy cream instead of milk or half-and-half.
Don’t Overcook the Orzo – The pasta continues to absorb liquid after cooking, so remove it from heat when it’s slightly al dente.
Add More Veggies – Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and mushrooms are great, but you can also mix in kale, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Balance the Flavors – A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the richness of the sauce.
Adjust Consistency – If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Let It Rest Before Serving – Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes helps the flavors meld together.
Pair It Well – Serve with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk and dairy-free cheese.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice.
Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Mushroom Lovers: Sauté mushrooms along with garlic for an earthy addition.
Bacon Upgrade: Stir in crispy bacon for added flavor.
Pesto Twist: Mix in a spoonful of basil pesto for an herby upgrade.

Special Equipment

Large Skillet: A deep pan is best for cooking orzo and sauce.
Tongs: Useful for flipping chicken easily.
Wooden Spoon: Helps stir the orzo without scratching the pan.
Meat Thermometer: Ensures perfectly cooked chicken.

FAQ Section

What is Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo?
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes! You can substitute orzo with small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
What protein can I use instead of chicken?
You can substitute chicken with shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What vegetables can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or peas to enhance the dish with extra flavor and nutrition.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking together?
Stir frequently while cooking and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pan. If it thickens too much, add a bit of chicken broth or cream.
Can I freeze Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo?
Due to the creamy sauce, freezing may slightly alter the texture. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat gently with added liquid.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
For an ultra-creamy texture, add an extra splash of heavy cream, a bit more Parmesan, or even a small amount of cream cheese.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a rich and comforting one-pan meal packed with tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes, all combined with perfectly cooked orzo. The addition of garlic, spinach, and Italian herbs brings layers of flavor, making every bite a delicious blend of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy goodness.

This dish is easy to customize—add mushrooms for an earthy twist, red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or swap the chicken for shrimp to change things up. Serve it on its own for a cozy, satisfying meal or with a side of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.

I can’t wait to see how your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!