One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo

One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo

6 servings
The wonderful flavors of creamy Italian sausage soup are reworked into a creamy chicken and orzo dinner!

Ingredients

  • boneless chicken breasts or thighs
    6
  • salt and black pepper
  • italian seasoning
    2 tsp
  • spicy italian chicken sausage
    ¾ lb
  • yellow onion

    chopped

    1
  • garlic

    chopped

    4 cloves
  • fresh thyme
    2 tbsp
  • salted butter
    2 tbsp
  • dry orzo pasta
    1 c
  • chopped celery
    ½ c
  • chili flakes
  • broth or water
    2 c
  • finely chopped kale
    2 c
  • heavy cream
    1 c
  • basil pesto
    ⅓ c
  • grated parmesan cheese
    1 c

Directions

  1. 1

    1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. 2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. 3. Cook the sausage In a large oven-safe skillet set over medium-high heat until browned all over. Wiggle the chicken into the sausage. Add the onions, garlic, and thyme. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden, 3-5 minutes per side. 4. Add the butter, orzo, celery, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Cook until lightly golden, 2 minutes. Add the broth and kale. Bring to a boil, cook for 3-5 minutes, then add the cream and pesto. Sprinkle over the parmesan. Transfer to the oven and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling around the chicken.5. Serve the chicken, orzo, and sauce topped with thyme. YUM.

One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo

One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo

4.9(27)45 min6 servings584 cal

Similar Recipes

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 27 ratings

halfbakedharvest.com
4.9(27 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving a deeply comforting, hearty meal that comes together quickly in just one pan? This One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo transforms the beloved flavors of creamy Italian sausage soup into a robust, satisfying dinner you'll want to make again and again.

This recipe truly shines with its clever one-skillet approach, bringing together tender chicken, savory spicy Italian chicken sausage, and orzo pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. It's a testament to how simple techniques can yield complex flavors, making a cozy, robust main course that feels both indulgent and effortless.

What can you expect from this dish? A wonderfully creamy orzo that soaks up all the savory goodness from the aromatic onion, garlic, and fresh thyme, complemented by the subtle heat of chili flakes. You’ll enjoy succulent pieces of chicken and flavorful sausage, all bound together with heavy cream, brightened by basil pesto, and finished with rich Parmesan cheese. It’s a truly satisfying and hearty meal, perfect for warming you from the inside out and delivering a delightful texture in every bite.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adjust the heat by reducing or omitting the chili flakes, or by opting for a mild Italian chicken sausage instead of spicy. For a slightly different texture, you can easily swap the boneless chicken breasts for chicken thighs. If you're looking to add more greens, spinach can be a good alternative if you don't have kale on hand, or simply add extra chopped celery for crunch.

This robust one-skillet meal is ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or a relaxed family gathering. Serve it as a complete meal, perhaps with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions