Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo: An Easy One-Pan Dinner

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels a little special but doesn’t require spending all evening in the kitchen, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is such a good one to have in your recipe rotation.

Tender chicken, creamy Parmesan orzo, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach all come together in one skillet for a cozy, flavorful meal the whole family can enjoy. And because the orzo cooks right in the same pan, you’re left with fewer dishes to wash afterward—which is always a win on a busy weeknight!

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, making it an easy dinner you can have on the table in around 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

There’s a lot to love about this recipe. It’s creamy and comforting without requiring a complicated list of ingredients, and everything comes together in one skillet.

The sun-dried tomatoes add a slightly sweet, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the Parmesan cream sauce, while the spinach adds a little color and an easy way to work some greens into dinner.

It’s also one of those meals that feels a little fancier than the effort it actually takes—which is exactly the kind of recipe I love for a weeknight.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4–6

Ingredients

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup orzo
2 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Add the minced garlic and orzo to the same skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the sun-dried tomatoes. Bring everything to a simmer, cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the spinach has wilted.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the chicken is heated through.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of chicken broth until it reaches your preferred consistency. Taste and add additional salt and pepper if needed.

What to Serve With Tuscan Chicken Orzo

This really can be a complete meal all on its own, which makes it especially nice for busy nights. If you want to add something on the side, try serving it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables or warm garlic bread.

A Few Easy Tips

For the creamiest orzo, make sure you stir it occasionally while it cooks so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the skillet.

Freshly grated Parmesan will also melt into the sauce more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. And don’t worry if the orzo looks a little saucy when you first finish cooking—it will continue to thicken as it sits.

If you’re reheating leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce back up.

An Easy Dinner to Add to Your Week

Some nights you just need a dinner that’s easy, filling and something everyone will actually look forward to eating. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo checks all of those boxes.

It’s warm, creamy and full of flavor, but still simple enough to make on a regular weeknight. Add it to your meal plan for one of those nights when you want something comforting without a lot of extra work.

Save this recipe for your next busy weeknight, and be sure to check back for more easy dinner ideas and weekly meal plans!