Description
This Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is a quick and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are sautéed and combined with orzo pasta simmered in a rich blend of chicken broth, tomato sauce, and heavy cream, creating a luscious, flavorful dish that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened, approximately 3 minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add Orzo and Liquids: Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, tomato sauce, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix everything well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Orzo: Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, creating a creamy sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Season: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to incorporate evenly. Season the dish with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Serve: Serve the creamy tomato orzo hot, optionally garnished with additional dried basil or freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use gluten-free orzo or rice pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.
