A comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken pieces with creamy orzo pasta in a rich tomato sauce. This dish strikes the perfect balance between hearty and refined, creating a restaurant-quality dinner that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t require hours of preparation. The orzo pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors while releasing its starch to create a naturally creamy texture. It’s a complete meal in one pan, combining protein, carbs, and rich flavors that both adults and children will enjoy. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss, this dish also makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Olive oil provides the base for sautéing and adds a subtle richness to the final dish. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Chicken breast creates the protein foundation of this meal. It becomes tender and flavorful as it absorbs the creamy tomato sauce. You could substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor if preferred.
Onion and garlic form the aromatic base of this dish. They build depth and complexity as they caramelize slightly before the liquid ingredients are added.
Orzo pasta is the star carbohydrate component. This rice-shaped pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing flavor while releasing starch that naturally thickens the sauce.
Chicken broth forms the cooking liquid for the orzo and infuses the entire dish with savory flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade broth.
Heavy cream transforms this dish from good to extraordinary, creating a silky, rich sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken. For a lighter version, half-and-half can work as a substitute.
Tomato sauce provides the signature flavor and beautiful color. It balances the richness of the cream with a pleasant acidity.
Dried basil adds an aromatic, herbal note that complements the tomato beautifully. Fresh basil can be substituted at the end of cooking for a brighter flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes bring a gentle heat that balances the creaminess. They’re optional if you’re sensitive to spice or cooking for those who are.
Salt and pepper are essential for bringing all the flavors together. Season to taste at the end of cooking.
Directions
- 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.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the orzo pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, tomato sauce, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has absorbed.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with additional basil or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 4 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner. It takes just 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, for a total time of 25 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 420 calories, offering a balanced meal that’s satisfying without being overly heavy.
Variations
Mediterranean Version: Add chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired twist.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and double up on vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Seafood Alternative: Replace the chicken with shrimp or chunks of salmon for a delicious seafood variation. Cook the seafood separately and add it at the end to prevent overcooking.
Spicy Arrabbiata Style: Increase the red pepper flakes and add a tablespoon of tomato paste for a more intense, spicier sauce.
Herb Garden Version: Add fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, and Italian parsley along with the basil for a garden-fresh flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
This creamy tomato orzo with chicken stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, as the orzo will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to prevent the pasta from drying out.
If you want to freeze portions, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will remain delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can substitute small pasta shapes like ditalini, stelline, or even small shells. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta’s texture as it cooks.
How do I make this dish lighter and lower in calories?
To reduce calories, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, opt for low-sodium chicken broth, and consider using boneless skinless chicken thighs which have more flavor but can be trimmed of excess fat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats well. The orzo may absorb more liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating to maintain the creamy consistency.
Is there a dairy-free alternative I can use instead of heavy cream?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative made from nuts. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Why is my orzo still hard after the recommended cooking time?
Different brands of orzo may require different cooking times. If your orzo is still firm, add a little more broth (¼ cup at a time) and continue cooking until it reaches your desired tenderness.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms would all work beautifully. Add hearty vegetables like peppers with the onions, and more delicate ones like spinach or peas in the last few minutes of cooking.
What can I serve with this creamy tomato orzo?
This is a complete meal on its own, but a simple green salad or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes. Garlic bread is also a perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious sauce.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Without a thermometer, ensure the chicken pieces are no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.
Why did my sauce turn out watery?
If your sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce. The starch from the orzo will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
Can I use rotisserie chicken to make this dish even faster?
Yes! Skip the chicken cooking step and simply add shredded rotisserie chicken when you would return the cooked chicken to the skillet. This makes for an even quicker weeknight meal.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken represents comfort food at its finest – simple yet sophisticated, quick yet deeply satisfying. The beauty of this one-pot wonder lies in its adaptability and ease, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Whether served as is or customized with your favorite additions, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and luscious tomato cream sauce creates a meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day – proving that exceptional cooking doesn’t always require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients, just thoughtful combination of everyday elements.
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Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken
Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is a quick and delicious one-pan meal combining tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce seasoned with basil and garlic.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- 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.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add the orzo pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, tomato sauce, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has absorbed.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with additional basil or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Add extra basil or Parmesan cheese for garnish if desired.
- Crushed red pepper flakes add a slight spice; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Ensure the orzo is cooked to your preferred texture by adjusting cooking time slightly as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
