One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe because it s one of those dishes that feel fancy but come together so effortlessly. Whenever I m craving a cozy, flavorful dinner without a ton of cleanup, this recipe is my go-to. The combination of juicy chicken, spicy sausage, creamy orzo, and vibrant kale brings a perfect balance of comfort and freshness that just hits the spot every time.

What really makes this dish stand out is the way everything cooks beautifully in one pan-from browning the meat to simmering the orzo in a luscious creamy sauce infused with pesto and Parmesan. I ve made it countless times, especially for family dinners or when friends drop by unexpectedly, and everyone always asks for seconds. You ll find that this One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, making it a must-try in your kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe come together perfectly to build layers of flavor and texture. I always grab fresh herbs and quality sausage to get those authentic Italian vibes that elevate this cozy dish.

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicier if you can t decide, but both work great here.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning to bring out all the natural flavors.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that makes the dish feel truly Tuscan.
• Spicy Italian chicken sausage: Adds a wonderful kick and richness-don t skip the spice!
• Yellow onion: Chopped for sweetness and aroma as it softens.
• Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic is a must for that punch of flavor.
• Fresh thyme: I love using fresh herbs here-they make a subtle but important difference.
• Salted butter: Helps build the creamy sauce with a silky texture.
• Dry orzo pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious sauce.
• Chopped celery: Adds a slight crunch and earthy freshness.
• Chili flakes: Just a pinch wakes up the flavor with a little heat.
• Broth or water: I prefer broth for a richer taste, but water works in a pinch.
• Finely chopped kale: This boosts the nutrition and adds lovely color.
• Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, velvety sauce.
• Basil pesto: I always stir in freshly made pesto if I can, but store-bought is fine too.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of this finishes the dish with nutty goodness.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you re looking to lighten it up or add a seasonal twist, there s plenty of room to experiment and make it truly yours.

• Protein Swap: I once replaced the chicken with turkey thighs, which kept that juicy texture but gave it a slightly different flavor that my family loved.
• Vegetarian Version: Try swapping sausage and chicken for hearty mushrooms and extra kale to keep it filling and flavorful.
• Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of orzo for a keto-friendly spin that still soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Seasonal Veggies: When I made this in spring, adding asparagus tips instead of celery gave it a fresh, bright twist.

How to Make One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Meat

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F-this ensures it s hot and ready when you transfer the skillet. Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning; I always massage the seasoning into the meat so the flavors really soak in. Then, brown the spicy Italian chicken sausage in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it s nicely caramelized. After that, nestle the seasoned chicken right into the skillet with the sausage, adding chopped onions, garlic, and fresh thyme around the edges. Sear the chicken for about 3 to 5 minutes per side until it s golden brown-this step locks in those juicy flavors and creates a beautiful crust. Don t rush this part; a good sear makes all the difference.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base and Cook the Orzo

Next, stir in the salted butter, dry orzo, chopped celery, another teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of chili flakes. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes, just until the orzo starts to get lightly golden and fragrant-you ll notice the smell of toasted pasta, which is honestly one of my favorite cooking aromas. Then pour in the broth (or water if you re using that) and toss in the chopped kale. Bring everything to a boil and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the orzo is almost tender. This step is key because the orzo finishes cooking in the oven, so you don t want it too soft here.

Step 3: Finish with Cream, Pesto, and Parmesan-Then Bake!

Once the liquid s been absorbed to just the right point, stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto, mixing everything until it looks beautifully creamy. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top-this adds a salty richness that brings it all together. Transfer the skillet uncovered into your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. You re looking for the sauce to bubble gently around the chicken, signaling everything is cooked through and ready to enjoy. It s as simple as that! Once done, I like to garnish with a few fresh thyme sprigs for an extra burst of herbaceous aroma.

How to Serve One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a few fresh thyme sprigs on top-it adds a fresh herbal note that brightens each bite. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan at the table is a hit, too, especially when you re serving guests. Sometimes, I toss a little lemon zest over the top to add a subtle zing that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.

Side Dishes

Since the One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe is so rich and filling, I like to pair it with lighter sides. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus with a squeeze of lemon complements it perfectly. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is fantastic if you want to soak up any leftover sauce-you won t regret it.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I ve served this dish family-style right in the skillet at the center of the table-it creates such a warm, communal vibe. Garnishing with edible flowers or colorful microgreens adds a lovely pop of color. I ve also layered it with thin slices of sun-dried tomatoes on top to jazz things up visually and flavor-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually let it cool slightly before refrigerating to keep the sauce from separating. When I pull it out, I give it a gentle stir to bring everything back together.

Freezing

I ve frozen this dish successfully, though I recommend leaving the cream out if you re freezing and adding it fresh when reheating for the best texture. Freeze in portion-sized containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before warming up. This works great for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the effort.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it s thickened. You can also microwave it covered for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Either way, the dish tastes almost as good as freshly made.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe is truly one of those dishes I m so happy to have in my regular rotation. It s reliable, delicious, and impressively easy to make no matter your cooking skill level. Cooking it feels satisfying, and sharing it makes me feel like I m welcoming friends and family to a cozy Tuscan table. I can t recommend it enough-give it a try next time you want a meal that feels special without stealing your evening. You re going to love how it all comes together.

One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe

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• Author: Megane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tuscan/Italian

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Description

One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender chicken breasts or thighs, spicy Italian sausage, and flavorful ingredients like garlic, kale, and creamy pesto sauce. Cooked all in one oven-safe skillet, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and herby flavors, making it an ideal family meal that requires minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sausage

• 6 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3/4 lb spicy Italian chicken sausage
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 2 cup finely chopped kale
• Chili flakes, to taste

Other Ingredients

• 2 tbsp salted butter
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 2 cup broth or water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to get it ready for finishing the dish in the oven.
2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs evenly with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to infuse them with flavor.
3. Brown Sausage and Sear Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the spicy Italian sausage until browned on all sides. Then place the seasoned chicken into the skillet with the sausage. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and fresh thyme. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes per side.
4. Add Orzo and Vegetables: Stir in the butter, dry orzo pasta, chopped celery, remaining 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Cook this mixture until the orzo is lightly golden, about 2 minutes.
5. Add Liquids and Kale: Pour in the broth and add the finely chopped kale. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the orzo to begin absorbing the liquid and the kale to soften.
6. Add Cream, Pesto, and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto, then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture.
7. Bake in Oven: Transfer the skillet into the preheated oven and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken is fully cooked through.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with extra fresh thyme if desired. Serve the chicken, orzo, and sauce hot for a delicious and cozy meal.

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Notes

• Use an oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan for the best results since this dish transitions from stovetop to oven.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer juicier meat.
• Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference.
• To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or substitute with a rice pasta alternative.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 125mg