Let me introduce you to your new weeknight hero: Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken. This dish is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance—juicy, golden chicken nestled in a velvety tomato cream sauce, all wrapped up with tender orzo pasta. Every bite delivers a burst of herby, cheesy goodness, and the best part? It comes together in just one skillet. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself after a long day, Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is the kind of meal that feels both effortless and a little bit special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is in its simplicity—each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to create a dish that’s creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor. Gather these kitchen staples and watch how easily they transform into something extraordinary.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken develop that golden, delicious crust.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, these soak up all the flavors beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in every bite.
- Garlic cloves: Give the dish a punch of aromatic depth—don’t skip them!
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and rounds out the savory base.
- Dry orzo pasta: The star grain, orzo cooks up like creamy risotto but with much less fuss.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the orzo with savory flavor while it simmers.
- Canned crushed tomatoes: Provide a bright, tangy tomato backbone for the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Delivers that signature luscious, silky texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a savory, nutty finish.
- Dried basil: Brings a classic Italian herb note that pairs perfectly with tomato.
- Dried oregano: Adds earthy depth and a hint of warmth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For just a touch of gentle heat—add as much or as little as you like.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Sprinkled on top for a burst of fresh color and flavor.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. This step builds that irresistible flavor base. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside—you’ll return it to the pan later for maximum tenderness.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, you might want to add a touch more oil if the pan looks dry. Toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes. The aroma will let you know you’re on the right track! You’re looking for the onion to turn translucent and the garlic to become fragrant, not browned.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Stir in the dry orzo pasta directly into the skillet with the aromatics. Let it toast for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often. This quick step helps the orzo develop a slightly nutty flavor and ensures it cooks up with the perfect bite.
Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, giving everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If the mixture starts to look too thick, you can splash in a bit more broth.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Time to bring the magic! Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. The sauce should become beautifully creamy at this point, enveloping the orzo in lusciousness.
Step 6: Add Chicken and Finish
Add the cooked chicken (and all those tasty juices) back into the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the chicken is heated through and the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Right before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken
Garnishes
A generous shower of freshly chopped parsley right before serving adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the dish. For extra flair, you can also sprinkle on a bit more grated Parmesan or a few cracks of black pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving is a lovely touch.
Side Dishes
Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia are perfect for scooping up every last bit of the creamy sauce. For a veggie boost, roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach make quick and tasty sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, try serving Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken in shallow bowls and topping each portion with a parmesan crisp or a few roasted cherry tomatoes. You can also portion it into ramekins or mini cocottes for an elegant, individual presentation. Or, for a rustic family meal, bring the skillet straight to the table and let everyone help themselves—there’s something cozy and inviting about sharing from one beautiful pan.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and meld as it sits, making for an even more delicious lunch or quick dinner the next day. If the orzo thickens up in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to revive its creamy texture.
Freezing
While this dish can be frozen, keep in mind that creamy sauces sometimes change texture after freezing. If you do want to freeze it, allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken, place it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, pausing to stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully here and bring extra juiciness and flavor to the dish. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions as for chicken breasts.
Is there a way to make Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken lighter?
Definitely. Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a part-skim variety without sacrificing too much richness.
Can I make Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken ahead of time?
You can prepare the dish a few hours ahead and gently reheat before serving. The orzo may absorb more liquid as it sits, so add a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy consistency when reheating.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Baby spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed zucchini are all delicious additions. Simply stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking so they stay vibrant.
Is this dish gluten-free?
As written, Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is not gluten-free since orzo is a wheat-based pasta. However, you can substitute a gluten-free orzo or other small gluten-free pasta shapes to make it work for your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is the one to try. It’s a recipe that brings family and friends together around the table with minimal effort but maximum reward. Give it a go—you just might find it becomes your new favorite, too!
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Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is a comforting and easy-to-make skillet meal featuring tender chicken pieces, toasted orzo pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato broth, and finished with rich cream and Parmesan cheese. Infused with herbs like basil and oregano, and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish combines Italian-inspired flavors with quick stovetop cooking, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
Dairy and Cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Toast the orzo: Stir in the dry orzo pasta with the garlic and onion mixture. Toast the orzo for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until it is slightly golden.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the orzo: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
- Combine chicken: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir to integrate the chicken into the creamy tomato orzo mixture. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm for a delicious, creamy chicken orzo dish.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the dish.
- Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to reduce preparation time.
- Add spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and vibrant color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
