Description
This flavorful One Skillet Tuscan Chicken and Orzo recipe combines juicy seasoned chicken breasts or thighs with spicy Italian sausage, garlic, fresh herbs, kale, and creamy pesto-infused orzo pasta. Cooked all in one pan, this dish is perfect for an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 6 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3/4 pound spicy Italian chicken sausage
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 2 cups finely chopped kale
Seasonings and Spices
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided)
- Chili flakes, to taste
Dairy and Fats
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
Other
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups broth or water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400° F (200° C) to prepare for finishing the dish in the oven.
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs on both sides with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to add flavor.
- Cook the sausage: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the spicy Italian chicken sausage until browned all over. This will infuse the pan with rich flavor.
- Add and sear the chicken and aromatics: Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces among the browned sausage in the skillet. Add chopped onion, garlic, and fresh thyme around and on top of the meat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side, to develop a flavorful crust.
- Add butter, orzo, celery, and spices: Stir in the salted butter, dry orzo pasta, chopped celery, the remaining 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Cook together, stirring occasionally, until the orzo and celery turn lightly golden, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add liquid and kale: Pour in the broth or water, add the chopped kale, then bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cook gently for 3-5 minutes to soften the orzo and kale.
- Add cream, pesto, and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto until well combined. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Finish cooking in the oven: Transfer the oven-safe skillet, uncovered, to the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes to fully cook the chicken through and allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can substitute the spicy Italian chicken sausage with mild sausage or chorizo according to taste preferences.
- Use chicken breasts for leaner meat or thighs for juicier, richer flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative.
- Fresh kale adds great color and nutrition, but spinach or Swiss chard can be used as alternatives.
- Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring contents and facilitate finishing the dish in the oven.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your spice tolerance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Tuscan chicken, one skillet meal, orzo pasta, Italian sausage, creamy chicken recipe, easy dinner, chicken and orzo skillet
