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
Units
Scale
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
