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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
