If you’re anything like me, you love recipes that come together fast but taste like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen. This One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe is exactly that kind of meal – creamy, comforting, with just the right balance of herbs, sausage, and tender chicken. What I really adore is how everything cooks right in one pan, making both cooking and clean-up a breeze. You ll find that this recipe works great for busy weeknights when you want a hearty dinner without the hassle.
When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the flavors all melded so perfectly – the spicy Italian sausage adds depth, while the kale and celery bring in some freshness and texture. Plus, the creamy sauce with pesto and parmesan makes every bite rich and satisfying. Whether you re feeding a family or want leftovers for lunch the next day, this One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe is a winner that s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in one skillet, saving you time and effort on clean-up.
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of Italian sausage, herbs, pesto, and parmesan creates delicious depth.
- Perfect Weeknight Meal: Ready in under an hour, it s great for busy nights when you want comfort food fast.
- Balanced and Satisfying: With protein, greens, and pasta, it s a filling dish that feels indulgent but wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe brings something special to the table. From the spicy Italian sausage for a kick to fresh thyme for aromatic warmth, here s a breakdown so you can shop smart and prep confidently.
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: I like thighs for juiciness, but breasts work well if you prefer lean.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to season the chicken and balance flavors.
- Italian seasoning: Adds that classic Tuscan herb blend without extra fuss.
- Spicy Italian chicken sausage: Choose quality sausage for a savory, slightly spicy flavor that lifts the whole dish.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves give a fragrant punch that’s better than pre-minced in this recipe.
- Fresh thyme: I love how it complements the chicken and sausage perfectly-don t skip it!
- Salted butter: Helps brown the orzo and enrich the sauce.
- Dry orzo pasta: Its small size allows it to cook quickly with the sauce.
- Chopped celery: Adds crunch and a subtle aromatic note-try not to leave this out.
- Chili flakes: For just a hint of heat. Add more or less to taste.
- Broth or water: Chicken broth is my go-to as it adds more flavor than plain water.
- Finely chopped kale: A leafy boost of nutrition that wilts perfectly into the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: For luscious richness and that signature Tuscan creaminess.
- Basil pesto: Adds fragrant, herbal brightness and some nuttiness.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Use good quality – it melts into the sauce and adds salty umami.
Variations
I love how flexible the One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe is. Over time, I ve tried a bunch of twists, so feel free to make it your own depending on what s in your kitchen or your dietary needs.
- Swap chicken thighs for breasts: Thighs stay juicy longer, but if you prefer breast meat, just keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying out.
- Go vegetarian: Replace sausage and chicken with hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage, then increase broth for moisture.
- Use spinach instead of kale: Spinach wilts faster so add it at the end of cooking to keep it bright and tender.
- Make it lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cashew cream for a lower-fat version without sacrificing creaminess.
How to Make One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken & Sausage
Preheat your oven to 400°F so it s ready when you finish on the stovetop. While it warms up, season the chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the spicy Italian chicken sausage over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned on all sides – this develops fantastic flavor. Then, nestle the chicken into the skillet with the sausage. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and fresh thyme, searing the chicken on each side for about 3-5 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown. This step builds the rich base for your sauce, so don t rush!
Step 2: Toast Your Orzo and Add Veggies
Once your chicken is golden, stir in the salted butter, dry orzo pasta, chopped celery, the remaining teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of chili flakes. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes until the orzo starts to get lightly golden – this toasting step adds a lovely nutty flavor that you don t want to skip. Then pour in the broth and toss in the finely chopped kale. Bring everything to a boil and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, just until the kale begins to soften and the orzo starts absorbing the liquid.
Step 3: Finish with Cream, Pesto, and Parmesan
Lower the heat slightly and stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto – this is when the dish starts to feel luxuriously creamy and rich. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Without covering, carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. You re looking for the sauce to be bubbly and the chicken to finish cooking through, juicy and tender. Once done, garnish with a few sprigs of fresh thyme for that extra pop of herbaceous aroma.
Pro Tips for Making One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe
- Sear to Lock Juices: I always pat my chicken dry before seasoning to help it brown better and stay juicy.
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: A cast iron skillet works brilliantly here – it handles stovetop-to-oven perfectly and gives great heat distribution.
- Don t Skip Toasting Orzo: Toasting orzo in butter before adding liquid adds a depth of flavor that makes this dish truly special.
- Watch the Liquid: Be careful not to add too much broth-start with the recipe amount and add more only if the orzo needs it while cooking.
How to Serve One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this dish, I love topping it with extra fresh thyme or even some chopped basil for that fresh herbal kick. A little drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of extra parmesan right before plating always adds a nice finishing touch and boosts flavor.
Side Dishes
While the recipe is filling on its own, I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. A crusty piece of garlic bread swoops up any leftover creamy sauce like magic, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I ve served this dish directly from the skillet at the table-there s something cozy and inviting about family-style sharing. Garnishing with edible flowers or colorful microgreens gives it a bit of visual wow without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and it reheats beautifully, making for a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
I ve frozen this dish a couple of times – it freezes well, but I recommend freezing before adding the cream and pesto if possible, then stirring them in fresh after thawing to keep the sauce silky and fresh tasting.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, stirring gently until warmed through. Microwave works too, but gently reheating on the stove helps keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
-
Can I use regular Italian sausage instead of spicy chicken sausage?
Absolutely! Regular Italian sausage will work just fine, though it might add a bit more pork flavor and fat. Adjust chili flakes to your desired heat level if using milder sausage.
-
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the orzo pasta for a gluten-free pasta or even use quinoa or rice. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the texture as it cooks.
-
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk with a tablespoon of flour to thicken, or even coconut cream for a dairy-free twist. Each will change the richness slightly, but all work well.
-
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop only?
Yes, you can cover the skillet and simmer gently on low heat after adding the liquid ingredients, cooking until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through. Just be careful to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
This One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it delivers so much flavor with such minimal fuss. I hope you ll give it a try on those nights when you want a satisfying homemade meal without standing over the stove forever. When you do, let me know how your family reacts – my crew always goes crazy for this dish! Enjoy the cozy comfort and ease this recipe brings to your table.
Print
One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian
Description
A hearty and flavorful one skillet Tuscan chicken and orzo dish featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs, spicy Italian sausage, fresh herbs, creamy pesto sauce, and nutrient-rich kale, all cooked together for an easy and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sausage
- 6 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning, divided
- 3/4 lb spicy Italian chicken sausage
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- Chili flakes, to taste
- 2 cups finely chopped kale
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups broth or water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400° F to prepare for finishing the dish in the oven.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, black pepper, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for initial flavoring.
- Cook Sausage and Sear Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the spicy Italian chicken sausage until browned. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet, then add chopped onion, garlic, and fresh thyme. Sear the chicken on each side until golden, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Add Aromatics and Orzo: Stir in the butter, orzo, chopped celery, remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is lightly golden, about 2 minutes.
- Add Liquids and Greens: Pour in the broth and add the chopped kale. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 3-5 minutes until the kale is wilted and the orzo begins to cook.
- Finish with Cream and Pesto: Stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto, then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbling around the chicken and the orzo is cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired and serve the chicken, orzo, and sauce hot. Enjoy your delicious one skillet Tuscan chicken and orzo!
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet for easy transition from stovetop to oven.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Fresh kale can be replaced with spinach if preferred.
- Ensure the orzo is fully cooked before serving; if needed, return to stovetop with a splash of broth to finish cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 chicken breast/thigh with orzo and sauce)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
