Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Orzo is a comforting, flavorful one-pot meal combining tender chicken pieces with smoky turkey bacon, velvety shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. The dish features orzo pasta that soaks up a luscious creamy sauce made with heavy cream or coconut cream and chicken broth, enhanced by fresh spinach and Italian seasoning. Ready in under 40 minutes, it is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Oils
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and bacon: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Sauté aromatics and build flavor: Add olive oil to the skillet if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor into the oil.
- Cook the chicken: Return the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides but still juicy inside, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add liquids and orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream or coconut cream, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Stir in the orzo pasta evenly, bringing the liquid to a gentle boil before reducing heat.
- Simmer and thicken: Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Finish with spinach, cheese, and turkey bacon: Stir in fresh baby spinach leaves until wilted. Add shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) and crispy smoked turkey bacon, folding gently until the cheese melts and the ingredients are warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking without drying out.
- Do not rush the orzo; allow it to simmer slowly for maximum flavor absorption and creaminess.
- Adjust broth and cream quantities to control the sauce’s consistency and sauciness.
- Prefer fresh spinach and garlic for the most vibrant flavors.
- Lightly toast the orzo in the skillet before adding broth to add nutty depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken, Orzo recipe, smoky turkey bacon, one-pot meal, creamy chicken pasta, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, easy dinner
