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- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, diced - 1 cup orzo pasta - ½ cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Fresh basil for garnish - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste This meal has a great mix of flavors and textures. The chicken thighs make it juicy, while orzo adds a nice bite. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a rich sauce that coats every piece. Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes give bright colors and nutrients. The onion and garlic add depth to the dish. Don't forget the fresh basil! It brightens the flavor and looks pretty on top. Using Italian seasoning brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen. Chicken broth adds depth and keeps the orzo tender. Olive oil makes everything come together smoothly. Gather these ingredients to make a dish that is both comforting and delicious! {{ingredient_image_1}} Cooking the chicken Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken thighs. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Ensure they brown on all sides. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Sautéing veggies and spices In the same pot, add the diced onion. Sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes. The onion should become soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and the Italian seasoning. Stir for one minute until you smell the wonderful aroma. Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This will help them soften and release their juices. Combining ingredients Pour in the chicken broth to the pot. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Now stir in the orzo pasta. Return the browned chicken to the pot. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs most of the liquid. Simmering broth and orzo Keep an eye on the pot while it simmers. The orzo should become al dente. If it needs more time, continue cooking but watch the liquid level. You want a creamy texture without it being soupy. Incorporating cream and cheese Once the orzo is ready, add the chopped spinach. Then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together. The spinach will wilt, and the cheese will melt, creating a rich, creamy sauce. Final seasoning and garnishing Taste your dish and add salt and pepper as needed. This final step is crucial to enhance the flavors. Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finish. Plating options Scoop the creamy Tuscan chicken orzo onto plates or bowls. You can add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Additional garnishing ideas Consider adding a drizzle of olive oil or some crushed red pepper flakes for heat. These small touches can elevate the dish even more. Enjoy your delightful meal! Best methods for browning chicken To brown chicken well, use a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil and then the diced chicken. Cook until the chicken turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Turn the pieces often for even cooking. This step gives great flavor and color to your dish. How to cook orzo perfectly Cook orzo in the same pot as your other ingredients. Add it to simmering chicken broth and stir often. This helps the orzo absorb the flavors. Cook for 8-10 minutes until it is al dente. Keep an eye on it to avoid mushy pasta. Adding more vegetables You can boost nutrition and flavor by adding more veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Add them when you sauté the onions and garlic. This way, they cook through and blend with the dish. Adjusting creaminess levels If you love creamy dishes, add more heavy cream. You can also mix in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream. For a lighter dish, reduce the cream or use milk. Taste as you go to find the right balance. Time-saving advantages One-pot meals save you time in the kitchen. You cook everything in one pot, which cuts down on prep time. You can make this dish in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights! Easy clean-up solutions With one pot, clean-up is a breeze. Just wash your pot and any utensils you used. You won’t have a sink full of dishes. This makes enjoying your meal easier and stress-free. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dish. Cook Orzo Al Dente: Keep an eye on the orzo while cooking to ensure it remains firm and doesn't become mushy. Customize the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to achieve your desired level of creaminess. Garnish for Freshness: Always top your dish with fresh basil just before serving to add a burst of color and flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breast. Chicken breast is leaner and cooks faster. Just make sure not to overcook it. You can also try different pasta types. If you want a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free orzo or rice. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. You can also use quinoa for a different texture. For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut milk. You can use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for flavor. If you love heat, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. They will bring a spicy kick to the meal. You can also play with herbs and spices. Try fresh thyme or oregano for a fragrant twist. Add lemon zest for a bright note. To store your creamy Tuscan chicken orzo, use an airtight container. These containers keep your meal fresh. Place the dish in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This meal stays good for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing the container. When it’s time to eat your leftovers, use the stove or microwave. For the stove, place the orzo in a pot on low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Stir gently until it warms up. If you use the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid overcooking or drying out the orzo. Yes, you can freeze this dish! To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the stove or microwave for best results. Enjoy your meal again without losing flavor! Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Penne or fusilli work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Check the package for cooking times to ensure they cook evenly. How do I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prepare this dish in advance. Cook everything and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. How long can the leftover dish last in the fridge? Leftovers can last for about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in a sealed container. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Is it safe to reheat multiple times? It’s best to reheat only once. Each time you cool and heat food, it increases the risk of bacteria. For best quality and safety, reheat only what you plan to eat. What can I use instead of heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk. This keeps the sauce creamy without the extra fat. Can I omit the chicken for a vegetarian option? Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian. Substitute the chicken with mushrooms or zucchini. You can also add more spinach for extra flavor and nutrients. This blog post covered a tasty one-pot meal with chicken and orzo. We explored fresh ingredients like spinach and tomatoes, plus essential seasonings. I outlined cooking steps and shared handy tips for success. You can even swap ingredients or adjust for dietary needs. Remember, cooking is about enjoying good food in less time. Use these ideas to create your own delicious versions. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

A delicious one-pot meal featuring chicken, orzo pasta, and a creamy Tuscan-inspired sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken thighs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to soften.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  • Stir in the orzo pasta, then return the browned chicken to the pot. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Add the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot, stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Keyword chicken, creamy, one-pot, orzo, Tuscan