Description
Hearty Tuscan chicken and orzo skillet delivers Mediterranean comfort with creamy parmesan sauce and tender chicken. Herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach create a delightful one-pan meal you’ll savor to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken thighs
- 4 tbsps olive oil, divided
- 1.5 cups orzo
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- ⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Generously coat chicken thighs with a harmonious blend of salt, ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, strategically positioning seasoned chicken thighs to develop a golden-brown exterior, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until perfectly caramelized.
- Aromatics Infusion: Remove chicken and in the same skillet, sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant and translucent, releasing their intricate flavor profiles.
- Orzo Integration: Introduce uncooked orzo and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, carefully nestling seared chicken thighs back into the skillet.
- Creamy Transformation: Cover and cook until orzo reaches al dente perfection, then incorporate fresh spinach, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese, creating a velvety sauce that envelops the chicken.
- Final Flourish: Plate the dish, garnishing with chopped parsley, an additional sprinkle of parmesan, and a vibrant lemon juice accent to elevate the culinary experience.
Notes
- Perfectly Sear Chicken: Achieve a golden-brown crust by patting chicken dry and using high heat to create a flavorful exterior that locks in moisture.
- Maximize Flavor Layering: Build depth by using the same skillet for sautéing onions and creating a base that captures the chicken’s delicious drippings.
- Cream Sauce Technique: Add cream and cheese off direct heat to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, silky sauce that coats every ingredient perfectly.
- Fresh Finish Matters: Brighten the entire dish with a last-minute sprinkle of fresh herbs and lemon juice to elevate the final flavor profile and add a vibrant touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg