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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Salt and pepper to taste The main star of this dish is the chicken. It adds protein and flavor. I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Dice them into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking. Orzo pasta is a fantastic choice. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. It gives the dish a nice, hearty texture. The vegetables bring color and nutrition. I love using cherry tomatoes and red bell peppers. They add sweetness and a touch of tang. Garlic boosts the flavor, while spinach adds a fresh taste and vibrant color. Finally, the dried Italian herbs tie everything together. They give your dish a classic Tuscan flavor. Salt and pepper are key for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients. - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish For a touch of heat, add red pepper flakes. This small amount can make a big difference. Parmesan cheese is a lovely addition. It melts beautifully and adds a rich, salty flavor. Fresh basil leaves are perfect for garnish. They add a pop of color and a fresh aroma. You can use them to enhance both flavor and presentation. {{ingredient_image_1}} Sautéing the Chicken Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add one pound of diced chicken. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken well for about 5 to 7 minutes. It should turn golden brown and no longer pink inside. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. Cooking the Vegetables In the same pot, add two cloves of minced garlic, one diced red bell pepper, and one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir them occasionally until they start to soften. This step builds a flavorful base for your dish. Toasting the Orzo Now, it’s time to add in one cup of orzo pasta. Stir it for about 2 minutes. This toasting gives the orzo a nice nutty flavor. Adding Liquid and Herbs Pour in two cups of chicken broth next. Add one teaspoon of dried Italian herbs and half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Incorporating Spinach Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is gone. After that, add the cooked chicken back in with two cups of chopped spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is warm. Garnishing Before Serving Remove the pot from the heat. Top with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese if you want. This adds a lovely finish to your dish. Enjoy your One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Orzo! - Ensuring Chicken is Cooked Properly Always cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for best results. This keeps the chicken juicy and safe to eat. If you cut it open, the juices should run clear without any pink. - How to Choose the Right Orzo Look for high-quality orzo that is made from durum wheat. This type holds its shape well and cooks evenly. You can find orzo at most grocery stores or online. Try to avoid brands with fillers, as they may not cook as well. - Adjusting Seasoning Taste your dish as you cook. If it lacks flavor, add more salt or pepper. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the taste. You can mix in fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh kick. - Adding Extra Vegetables Feel free to get creative with vegetables. Zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots add great flavor and nutrients. Just chop them to a similar size as the other ingredients for even cooking. - Pairing with Wine A light white wine, like Pinot Grigio, pairs well with this dish. Its crisp notes balance the richness of the chicken and cheese. Serve it chilled for a refreshing touch. - Suggested Side Dishes A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the meal nicely. Garlic bread can also be a great addition, giving you that perfect scoop for the orzo. Pro Tips Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking before adding it back to the pot. This helps keep it juicy and tender. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish. Cheese Variations: Substitute the Parmesan cheese with feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile that pairs well with the Tuscan ingredients. Make It Ahead: This dish can be made in advance and reheated. Just add a splash of broth when reheating to keep the orzo from drying out. {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for other proteins. Try diced turkey or shrimp. They cook well with the orzo and add a new twist. For a heartier meal, consider using sausage. Just slice it and brown it like the chicken. Feel free to change up the veggies. Zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus work great. You can even add carrots for sweetness. Mixing in different colors makes your dish look and taste better. If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free orzo. This pasta tastes good and cooks like regular orzo. You can also try rice or quinoa as a base. Both options will hold the flavors well while keeping the meal gluten-free. To make this dish vegetarian, skip the chicken. Instead, add more veggies or chickpeas for protein. You can also throw in some tofu or tempeh for added texture. This keeps your meal filling and flavorful. Want to spice it up? Add smoked paprika or cumin to the mix. These spices bring warmth and depth to your dish. If you like heat, use cayenne pepper for a kick. Herbs can change the taste too. Instead of Italian herbs, use fresh oregano or thyme. They add a fresh note that brightens the flavors. You can also toss in some parsley for a nice touch. To keep your One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Orzo fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. When stored correctly, it stays good for up to three days in the fridge. For reheating, you can use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Heat gently on low until warmed through. If microwaving, cover it to retain moisture and heat in short bursts, stirring often. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the orzo to cool completely before packing it into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place the frozen orzo in the fridge overnight. For a quicker method, you can use the microwave on the defrost setting. Reheat it on the stovetop, adding a little broth to revive the texture. In the refrigerator, your One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Orzo lasts about three days. After that, the quality may decline. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or the smell is off, it’s time to toss it. Proper storage keeps your meal tasty and safe to eat! Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. I love using orzo in soups and salads, but it shines in this one-pot dish. It has a nice, chewy texture that pairs well with chicken and veggies. Yes, you can use chicken thighs or even rotisserie chicken. Thighs add more flavor and stay moist. If using rotisserie chicken, add it later to warm it through. To prep ahead, cook the chicken and veggies. Store them separately with the orzo. When ready to eat, combine and heat with broth. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with a salad or garlic bread. A light green salad adds crunch. Garlic bread makes it extra cozy. You can add beans or chickpeas for extra protein. Shrimp or sausage also work well. Just adjust cooking times to ensure everything cooks evenly. This blog post covered the key ingredients for a tasty dish. We discussed main and optional ingredients, like chicken, orzo, and spices. The step-by-step instructions help you prepare and blend everything perfectly. Cooking tips ensure your chicken is safe and tasty, while variations allow for personal flair. We also shared storage tips for leftovers and responses to common questions. In the end, cooking brings joy and creativity. Enjoy your cooking and have fun with these recipes!

One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Orzo

A delicious and easy one-pot meal featuring chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste unit salt and pepper
  • for garnish unit fresh basil leaves
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  • Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the dried Italian herbs and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the cooked chicken back to the pot along with the chopped spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Add more vegetables or adjust spices according to your taste.
Keyword chicken, Italian, one-pot, orzo