Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Quick Look: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

• 🕒 Total Time: 35 minutes
• 👥 Servings: 6
• 📊 Calories: 362 per serving

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Why You'll Love This Easy One Pan Skillet Meal

✔️ High-Protein & Balanced - This wholesome high-protein skillet recipe is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients for a balanced dinner that keeps you full and energized. It's a perfect choice for anyone looking for a healthy weeknight meal or macro-friendly dinner idea that supports your fitness goals.
✔️ One-Pan Convenience - with just one pan, you'll have minimal prep and cleanup. It's ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or when you just want an easy family dinner that tastes like comfort food but fits your healthy lifestyle.
✔️ Flavor-Packed - This dish is bursting with delicious flavor.... you'd never guess it's such a quick and easy recipe!

Select Ingredients

• Chicken - I have used up to 2 lbs of chicken in this dish to really boost the protein. Feel free to add more than the listed amount if you're trying to increase protein but the current recipe does already provide 30 grams per serving!
• Half & Half - I use half and half to lower the fat and calories but you can use heavy cream for a thicker cream sauce if you prefer.
• Orzo - You can use gluten-free orzo if needed or swap for a different small pasta if you don't have orzo on hand.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Recipe Tips & Variations

➡️ Gluten-Free Option - Simply swap in gluten-free orzo (or use quinoa or rice if preferred) to make this healthy one-pan meal gluten-free. The flavor and texture still turn out deliciously creamy and satisfying.
➡️ Dairy Free - For a creamy dairy-free version, use coconut cream, unsweetened oat milk, or dairy-free half & half instead of regular cream. For the cheese, Violife Just Like Parmesan makes a great plant-based alternative that adds cheesy flavor without the dairy.
➡️ Meal Prep & Storage - This easy orzo skillet stores beautifully! Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

How To Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Spray skillet with cooking spray then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium-high heat. Add in the chicken breasts and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side.

Step 2: Remove the chicken from the pan, and add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Then add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo. Stir and roast the orzo pasta for a few minutes.

Step 3: Pour in the chicken stock and salt, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook the orzo for 5-8 minutes, stirring often so it doesn't stick. While it cooks, cube the chicken. Stir in the spinach until wilted, then add the half & half and dried basil; mix well.

Step 4: Bring the chicken back into the pan and let it simmer covered for about 5 minutes until it's heated up and fully cooked. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle with shredded parmesan.