Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet vibrant weeknight dinner, then let me introduce you to the Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe. This dish effortlessly combines tender chunks of chicken with delicate orzo pasta bathed in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor. From the first spoonful, you’ll notice how the richness of the cream balances the tangy tomato sauce perfectly, while the herbs add that irresistible aroma and a gentle kick. It’s one of those meals that feels both indulgent and wholesome, ready in about 25 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings where you want something satisfying without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe truly shine, you’ll want simple ingredients that each play a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. These essentials keep the dish straightforward yet dynamic — tender chicken for protein, orzo for a melt-in-your-mouth pasta experience, and a creamy tomato blend that ties everything together with flair.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing, adding a fruity depth to the chicken and vegetables.
- Chicken breast, diced: Provides tender, juicy bites that soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Onion, chopped: Adds a sweet, savory foundation that softens beautifully when cooked.
- Garlic, minced: Gives an aromatic punch that lifts the entire dish.
- Orzo pasta: Its tiny, rice-like shape cooks quickly and absorbs the creamy tomato sauce perfectly.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the orzo with savory goodness and prevents the dish from being too heavy.
- Heavy cream: Brings a silky richness that makes this recipe irresistibly creamy.
- Tomato sauce: Adds bright tomato flavor and color, balancing the rich cream with its natural acidity.
- Dried basil: Offers a fragrant herbal note that ties the flavors together elegantly.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle touch of heat to awaken the palate.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance every ingredient.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your diced chicken breast pieces. Sauté them until they develop a lovely golden brown crust and are cooked through, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside momentarily — this step ensures the chicken remains juicy and perfectly tender.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Using the same skillet, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic next. Cooking them together creates a fragrant and flavorful base. Let them soften and become slightly translucent, which usually happens in about 3 minutes. This mixture will add a wonderful savory sweetness that enhances the overall dish.
Step 3: Combine the Orzo and Creamy Tomato Mixture
Now here’s where the magic really starts — add the orzo pasta right into the skillet along with chicken broth, heavy cream, tomato sauce, dried basil, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick. Stir everything well to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. This moment is crucial as the orzo begins to absorb the liquid and soak up all the rich tomato and cream flavors.
Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Orzo
Cover the skillet and allow it to cook gently for about 10 to 12 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. You’ll notice the sauce thickening into a silky coat that clings to each tiny grain of orzo.
Step 5: Return Chicken and Season
Once the orzo is perfectly cooked, toss the chicken pieces back into the skillet. Give everything a good stir to combine and heat through. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your liking — these simple touches really elevate the flavors and tie every ingredient together.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Your Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe is now ready to serve. Scoop generous portions onto plates while the dish is warm and bubbly. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, with its creamy texture and tasty aroma filling your kitchen.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair to your dish, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese or torn fresh basil leaves on top. These add bursts of flavor and a lovely contrast in texture. A light drizzle of good olive oil just before serving can also enhance richness and shine beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this meal with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing counterbalance, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to bring some earthiness and crunch. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are also fantastic if you want to soak up every last bit of the creamy tomato sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the orzo in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprig of basil, or even stuff the creamy mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake briefly for a colorful presentation. You could also offer a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a dash of smoked paprika for an added dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The orzo tends to soak up sauce over time, so you might find it a bit thicker when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a suitable container for up to 2 months. It’s best to use freezer-safe containers and leave some room at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the creamy texture as much as possible.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while warming up can revive the sauce’s silky consistency and prevent the orzo from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo works perfectly because it cooks quickly and absorbs sauce well, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, small shells, or even couscous if you want a similar texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, to make a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew cream, and opt out of cheese garnishes. Just keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor and richness.
Can I use leftovers chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Definitely. Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time and works beautifully in this dish. Just add it back in during the final step to warm through.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that enhances the flavor without overpowering the dish. You can adjust the amount or skip it altogether if you prefer mild flavors.
Can this recipe be prepared in advance for meal prep?
Yes! You can prepare the dish and store it refrigerated for a day or two. When ready to eat, just reheat and add any fresh garnishes. It’s a great choice for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe has a beautiful way of turning simple ingredients into a dish that feels both cozy and special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a meal that warms the heart and satisfies the appetite every time. I really encourage you to give it a try – I promise it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is a quick and comforting one-pan meal combining tender chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and creamy heavy cream cooked together with tender orzo pasta. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner packed with rich flavors and a smooth, luscious texture.
Ingredients
Main 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
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add liquids and orzo: Pour in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, heavy cream, tomato sauce, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the orzo: Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a creamy consistency.
- Reincorporate chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the orzo and stir to combine evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the creamy tomato orzo with chicken hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- To make this recipe lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Use gluten-free orzo pasta to make this dish gluten-free if needed.
- If you prefer a more tomato-forward flavor, add extra tomato sauce or fresh diced tomatoes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
