This One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a creamy and comforting dinner. It uses pre-cooked shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. These ingredients blend together as the orzo cooks into a rich sauce. Finished with fresh herbs, this dish is easy to make. It has a gourmet quality, making it great for entertaining or feeding the family any night of the week.
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🗝️ Recipe's key points
- This true one-pot wonder is ready in just 30 minutes, making it the ultimate solution for a busy weeknight.
- It's a healthy meal that combines lean protein, short pasta, and fresh vegetables all in one dish.
- Bright sun-dried tomatoes and earthy oregano give the classic Tuscan flavor. You can make it dairy-free by leaving out the Parmesan cheese. Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamy sauce.
This simple yet sophisticated dish proves that a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying dinner doesn't have to be complicated. Cook the entire dish in a single skillet in just 20 minutes or less!
🛒 Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
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- Avocado oil – Choose a good-quality oil that can handle medium-high heat. Olive oil can be used instead.
- Aromatics (garlic and onion) – Sauted and adds depth of flavor to this Tuscan chicken and orzo pasta.
- Chicken broth – A flavorful base for the sauce. Cooking the orzo directly in the broth infuses a ton of flavor!
- Baby spinach – Adds color and nutrients. Baby spinach is most tender, but regular spinach works too.
- Cherry tomatoes – These hold their shape better than larger tomatoes. Grape tomatoes work equally well.
- Orzo pasta – This rice-shaped pasta is traditional. Cook it directly in the broth mixture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – I've used dry packaged sun-dried tomatoes. If you opt for jarred sun-dried tomato strips in oil, make sure to drain.
- Seasonings (dried thyme, oregano, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes) – Provides classic Tuscan flavor. Greek oregano is ideal, but Italian works well too.
- Chicken – Use shredded chicken from leftovers or shred rotisserie chicken for added convenience. You can also bake boneless, skinless chicken breast from scratch. Shred it for this creamy chicken and orzo recipe.
- Heavy cream – Or full fat coconut milk for a non-dairy version.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for best flavor. You can also add feta cheese to this dish, if you like.
- Fresh parsley – Chopped and sprinkled at the end of the cook for a pop of freshness.
🗒 Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Prepare the one pot chicken and orzo ingredients.
- In a large skillet or pot over medium heat add the oil, onion, and garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the broth, spinach, tomatoes, orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings. Mix until combined.
- Bring to a boil on high, then reduce the heat to medium. Place a lid on top and simmer for 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender.
- Add the chicken, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese.
- Mix until combined.
- Top with fresh parsley.
- Add any extra paprika or red pepper flakes, as desired, and serve.
🥫 Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further overnight, making this easy chicken and orzo pasta even more delicious the next day!
To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the orzo may become slightly softer after thawing. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to keep it moist.
📚 Variations
- Dairy-free: Omit the parmesan cheese entirely or replace it with dairy-free alternatives. You will also need to use full-fat coconut milk instead of the heavy cream in this chicken orzo skillet.
- Protein Options: You can use shredded chicken thighs for a more flavorful cut of chicken due to the higher fat content. This parmesan chicken and orzo dish can also be made with shrimp or white fish!
- Gluten-free: Replace the orzo with quinoa, rice, or gluten-free orzo pasta.
- Low-carb options: You can use spiralized zucchini. Another option is to serve the sun-dried tomato chicken and orzo over cauliflower rice. This makes for a low-carb meal.
- Extra Vegetables: You can make this meal healthier. Add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. Do this while cooking the spinach and tomatoes. Stir in marinated artichoke hearts for an extra boost of flavor and texture.
👩🏻🍳 Tips
- Use a large, deep skillet for this Italian chicken and orzo recipe. It will hold all the ingredients well.
- I've used cooked chicken to make this easy weeknight chicken and orzo pasta dinner. It saves a ton of time, but you could cook chicken from raw with the onion and garlic. You will need to cook the chicken for 7 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F.
- I don't recommend cooking the orzo separately. It will likely become too soft when added to the chicken orzo skillet.
- Sprinkle some nutritional yeast over your food when serving for an added dose of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
🤔 FAQs
Yes! Small pastas like ditalini, small shells, or even penne work, but orzo gives the creamiest texture.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work—thighs add a little extra richness.
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a little extra chicken broth with Parmesan for creaminess.
A crisp green salad, crusty bread, or roasted veggies pair perfectly. Don’t forget a glass of white wine! 🍷
📗 Related Recipes
For more one-pot chicken meals, you'll want to try these dishes:
- Marry Me Chicken - Tender, pan-seared chicken breasts simmer in a luxurious cream sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan. Serve over pasta or rice.
- Spinach Artichoke Pasta with Chicken Sausage - This creamy, dreamy pasta combines savory chicken sausage, fresh spinach, and tender artichoke hearts in a rich, cheesy sauce - all made in a single pot for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
- Chicken Lentil Soup - A wholesome and comforting soup packed with lean chicken, nutritious red lentils, and a medley of hearty vegetables. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that comes together in one pot for a nourishing family dinner.
🍽 What to serve with one-pot chicken and orzo
While this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken and orzo recipe is already a complete meal, you can still enhance it with some delicious sides, such as a side of Roasted Asparagus, Grilled Vegetables, garlic bread, or with an Italian Summer Salad With Basil Dressing.
🔪 All Our Way recommends the following
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You’ll need the following items to make this recipe successfully.
- Large skillet or pot - To cook all of the ingredients for this one pot chicken and orzo.
- Cutting board - Prepare the vegetables and cooked, shredded chicken on a stable cutting board.
- Knife - Sharp for preparing the veggies.
- Spoon - I love using a wooden spoon for mixing the chicken orzo skillet ingredients.
- Measuring spoons and cups - For the flavorful spices. Always taste to test and add more later, if needed.
📞 Chiacchierata (chat)
And there you have it, amici miei—my Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Orzo. A dish that tastes like it cooked in a cozy Italian kitchen. In reality, it comes together in one pot with little effort. I love how the orzo absorbs all the tasty juices. It becomes a creamy, comforting base—like a warm hug from a nonna in every bite. 🧡
Whether you make this for a busy weeknight or serve it with wine for guests, it’s a recipe that always satisfies. Simple, hearty, and full of sunshine flavors. It always brings smiles to the table.
So go ahead, grab your favorite ciotola (bowl), sprinkle a little extra Parm on top, and enjoy a taste of Tuscany at home. Buon appetito, amici!🇮🇹🍝
Tutti a tavolo, è pronto!
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📖 Recipe
One Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or pot
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup orzo
- 8 ounces sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot over medium heat add the oil, onion, and garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the broth, spinach, tomatoes, orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings. Mix until combined.
- Bring to a boil on high. Reduce the heat to medium. Place a lid on top and simmer for 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender.
- Add the chicken, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Mix until combined.
- Top with parsley.
Notes
👩🏻🍳 Tips
- Use a large, deep skillet for this Italian chicken and orzo recipe. It will hold all the ingredients well.
- I've used cooked chicken to make this easy weeknight chicken and orzo pasta dinner. It saves a ton of time, but you could cook chicken from raw with the onion and garlic. You will need to cook the chicken for 7 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F.
- I don't recommend cooking the orzo separately. It will likely become too soft when added to the chicken orzo skillet.
- Sprinkle some nutritional yeast over your food when serving for an added dose of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
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