If you’re craving a cozy, restaurant‑style Italian dinner but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is exactly what you need. Tender pieces of chicken are simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with sun‑dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan, then folded into al dente orzo pasta that soaks up all the flavor. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze, and the whole meal comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a comforting family dinner.
This dish tastes like something from a Tuscan trattoria: the sun‑dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy depth, the spinach brings freshness, and the Parmesan and cream create a velvety, luscious sauce that clings to every bite. Serve it straight from the pan with a simple green salad or some crusty bread on the side, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet still wholesome.
Complete Ingredient List (Serves 4)
This version is pantry‑friendly and easy to scale up for leftovers or a crowd.
For the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite‑sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼–½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun‑dried tomatoes (oil‑packed or dry), chopped
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 3 cups low‑sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or full‑fat canned coconut milk (for a lighter option)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach or baby kale
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
For Serving (Optional)
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Crusty bread or baguette slices
- Simple green salad
Step‑By‑Step Instructions
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium‑high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside, keeping it warm.
Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun‑dried tomatoes and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. If the pan looks dry, add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze and scrape up any browned bits.
Toast the Orzo
Stir the dry orzo into the onion mixture and cook for 1–2 minutes, tossing so the pasta gets lightly toasted. This step helps the orzo hold its shape and absorb the liquid evenly.
Simmer Until Orzo Is Tender
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If the mixture looks too dry before the orzo is done, add a splash more broth or water.
Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Greens
Stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk, grated Parmesan, spinach or kale, and fresh basil or parsley. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is creamy and glossy. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Return the Chicken and Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Let it warm through for 1–2 minutes. Serve the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Tips for the Best Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat; they stay tender even if slightly overcooked. For a lighter version, skip the cream and rely on the broth and cheese for richness. Make a bigger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. For meal prep, divide the orzo into containers and add fresh herbs just before eating so they stay bright.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
This dish is rich in protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese, with complex carbohydrates from the orzo. The spinach adds fiber and vitamins, while the cream and Parmesan bring satisfying richness. You can lighten it by using less cream, more vegetables, or a lighter cheese alternative.
Why This Works So Well for TikTok and Pinterest
The Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is incredibly photogenic: golden orzo studded with sun‑dried tomatoes and spinach, topped with melted Parmesan and fresh herbs, makes it pop on camera. The one‑pan, 30‑minute timeline is perfect for short‑form video, and the “so creamy & savory” hook resonates with busy home cooks. For Pinterest, focus on overhead shots of the skillet with steam rising and a sprinkle of Parmesan, and keep the background simple so the colors stand out.
Serve this dish with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil on top for a restaurant‑style finish. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this easy, flavorful one‑pan dinner has become such a favorite for quick weeknight meals and meal prep.