Creamy Tuscan Orzo with Grilled Chicken and Scallops is a luxurious, one-pan dish combining tender orzo pasta in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and perfectly grilled chicken and scallops.
Author:Emma Harper
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Grill and Simmer
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup orzo pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 large sea scallops
1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Season chicken breasts and scallops with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Set aside to rest, then slice.
Grill scallops for 2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and orzo, stir for a minute to toast slightly.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and creamy.
Stir in spinach, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Cook until spinach is wilted and cheese is melted.
Top with sliced grilled chicken and scallops. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
Ensure scallops are dry before grilling to get a nice sear.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture.
Can be made with shrimp instead of scallops if preferred.