Imagine transforming your kitchen into a rustic Italian trattoria with minimal effort and maximum flavor! This One Pan Tuscan Orzo with Chicken is not just a meal—it's a delicious adventure that brings the sun-drenched flavors of Tuscany directly to your dinner table. With golden-brown chicken, creamy orzo, burst cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this recipe promises to revolutionize your weeknight cooking routine, delivering restaurant-quality cuisine in just 30 magical minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, halving cherry tomatoes, mincing garlic, and measuring out all other ingredients.
- Heat a large skillet or wide pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and allow it to shimmer.
- Season diced chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add orzo pasta to the pan and stir to coat with oil and mix with chicken. Toast orzo for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and cover the pan.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is almost tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and spinach. Cook for additional 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to melt.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot directly from the pan.
Tips
- Uniform Cutting: Dice chicken into equal 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Pan Temperature: Use a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet to achieve perfect golden-brown chicken and prevent burning.
- Orzo Toasting: Don't skip toasting the orzo—this crucial step enhances its nutty flavor and adds depth to the dish.
- Liquid Ratio: Watch your broth absorption carefully; different orzo brands might require slight liquid adjustments.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for the brightest, most vibrant flavors.
- Cheese Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and provides superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
- Resting Period: Allow the dish to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld and cheese melt perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
