One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo is a cozy, flavorful all-in-one meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken and spicy sausage combine with creamy orzo and kale in a savory sauce that will satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

• 6 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
• 3/4 pound spicy Italian chicken sausage
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• Chili flakes, to taste
• 2 cups broth or water
• 2 cups finely chopped kale
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
2. Step 2: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the spicy Italian chicken sausage until browned. Add the chicken pieces into the skillet with the sausage.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onions, garlic, and fresh thyme to the skillet. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3–5 minutes per side.
4. Step 4: Stir in the butter, orzo, chopped celery, remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Cook for 2 minutes until the orzo begins to turn lightly golden.
5. Step 5: Pour in the broth and add the chopped kale. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 3–5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbling around the chicken.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and serve the chicken, orzo, and sauce topped with extra fresh thyme if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for more tender and juicy meat, or breasts for a leaner option.
• Swap the spicy sausage for mild Italian sausage if you prefer less heat.
• Feel free to substitute kale with spinach for a softer green.
• For a dairy-free version, replace butter and cream with olive oil and coconut milk, and omit the parmesan cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without sausage?

Yes, you can omit the sausage and use extra chicken if you prefer a milder flavor or a simpler dish.

Is orzo the only pasta that works for this dish?

Orzo works best as it resembles rice and cooks quickly, but you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 98 reviews

• Author: Hailey
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, spicy Italian sausage, and creamy orzo with vibrant kale and Parmesan cheese. Cooked entirely in a single oven-safe skillet, it offers an easy yet elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 6 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3/4 pound spicy Italian chicken sausage

Vegetables & Herbs

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 2 cups finely chopped kale

Dry Goods & Pasta

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided)
• Chili flakes, to taste

Dairy & Fats

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids

• 2 cups broth or water

Seasonings

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Season Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400° F. Season the chicken breasts or thighs liberally with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ensuring even coating on all sides.
2. Cook Sausage: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the spicy Italian chicken sausage until browned on all sides. This adds depth and spice to the dish.
3. Add Chicken and Vegetables: Nestle the seasoned chicken alongside the browned sausage in the skillet. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and fresh thyme. Sear the chicken on each side for 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown, which locks in flavor and juices.
4. Sauté Orzo and Aromatics: Stir in the salted butter, dry orzo pasta, chopped celery, the remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and chili flakes to your taste. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes until the orzo is lightly golden, enhancing its nutty flavor.
5. Add Liquids and Greens: Pour in the broth (or water) and add the chopped kale. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 3 to 5 minutes so the orzo begins to absorb the liquid and the kale wilts.
6. Incorporate Cream and Pesto: Stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto to create a rich, creamy sauce. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, which will melt beautifully in the oven.
7. Bake Until Bubbling: Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken is cooked through.
8. Serve: Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired. Serve the chicken nestled in the creamy orzo and sauce hot and fresh from the skillet. Enjoy your flavorful Tuscan meal!

Notes

• This recipe uses an oven-safe skillet, such as cast iron, to go from stovetop searing to oven baking seamlessly.
• Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer juicier meat.
• Vegetarian version can be made by omitting the chicken and sausage, doubling kale, and adding more broth.
• If you want a spicier dish, increase the chili flakes or use a hotter sausage variety.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop and Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Tuscan chicken, orzo recipe, one skillet dinner, Italian sausage, creamy pasta, easy weeknight meal