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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo: An Indulgent Twist with Turkey Bacon

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal, featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful ingredients, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Orzo

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large shallot finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • ½ cup sundried tomatoes
  • 1 ½ cups orzo
  • ½ cup white cooking wine
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard optional
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
  • 3 cups vegetable stock or substitute chicken stock or water
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups fresh spinach or substitute 1 cup frozen spinach
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh basil sliced
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise so that they're thinner and cook more quickly. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 1-2 minutes on each side, then remove and set aside.
  • Add in the butter, shallot, garlic, and red pepper flakes and cook for about 5 minutes, until soft and aromatic.
  • Add in the sundried tomatoes and dry orzo and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add in the white wine to de-glaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom.
  • Stir in the Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Place the chicken breasts back in the pan. Cover and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Remove the chicken breasts and thinly slice them.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan, spinach, basil, and lemon juice. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
  • Top with the sliced chicken breasts and garnish with fresh basil!

Notes

This orzo is best eaten the same day but will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The orzo will soak up the sauce in the fridge, best reheated on the stove with a little extra broth or cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 26gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 751mgPotassium: 587mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1291IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 152mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Chicken Recipe, Comfort Food, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo, one pot meal, pasta dish, Quick Dinner
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