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
Scale
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
