Dinner

One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Name: One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 boneless chicken breasts or thighs; 3/4 pound spicy Italian chicken sausage; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 2 cups finely chopped kale; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided); Chili flakes, to taste; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup basil pesto; 1 cup dry orzo pasta; 2 cups broth or water

ByEthan Lark November 1, 2025November 1, 2025

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Introduction

This One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo is a comforting and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, spicy sausage, and creamy orzo pasta. Perfectly balanced with kale, herbs, and parmesan, it’s an easy dish that comes together in just one pan.

A black cast iron pan filled with a layered chicken dish sits on a wooden table. The bottom layer has a thick, creamy sauce with small pieces of browned meat, possibly sausage, and chopped green celery. On top of that, there are dark green leafy vegetables mixed with onions that add texture. Four golden-brown chicken thighs lie scattered over the dish, seared to a light crisp. A large metal spoon rests inside the pan, partially scooping the food. Around the pan, there is a glass of amber liquid, a block of cheese, some herbs, and a small bouquet of red flowers. The surface beneath the pan is changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and black pepper
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
3/4 pound spicy Italian chicken sausage
1 yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme
2 tablespoons salted butter
1 cup dry orzo pasta
1/2 cup chopped celery
Chili flakes, to taste
2 cups broth or water
2 cups finely chopped kale
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup basil pesto
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Step 2: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the spicy Italian sausage until browned all over. Then nestle the chicken pieces into the sausage in the pan. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and fresh thyme.
Step 3: Sear the chicken on both sides until golden, about 3 to 5 minutes per side.
Step 4: Stir in the butter, dry orzo pasta, chopped celery, the remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Cook everything together until the orzo is lightly golden, about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Pour in the broth and add the chopped kale. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto, then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the dish is bubbling.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture, or breasts for a leaner option.
If you don’t have pesto, a blend of fresh basil and olive oil can be a good substitute.
For a milder dish, reduce or omit the chili flakes.
Swap kale for spinach or swiss chard depending on your preference.

Storage

Store leftover Tuscan chicken and orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

A cast iron skillet filled with a creamy, layered chicken dish featuring four browned chicken breasts on top. The first layer beneath the chicken shows cooked rice mixed with green leafy vegetables and slices of celery, combined with bits of browned sausage and softened onion pieces. The creamy sauce binds the ingredients together, creating a rich golden color with bubbling textures. Small green herb sprigs are scattered on top for garnish. A metal spoon rests inside the skillet on the right side. The skillet sits on a wooden table with a white marbled background, accompanied by a glass of amber liquid and a block of cheese near a red flower in a small vase. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute spicy Italian sausage with mild sausage, chorizo, or even a plant-based sausage depending on your taste preferences.

Is it possible to make this recipe without cream?

Yes, you can omit the heavy cream and add extra broth or a splash of milk for a lighter version. The dish will be less rich but still flavorful thanks to the pesto and parmesan.

Ethan Lark