If you’re looking for a meal that wraps you in a hug of savory comfort, Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is your answer. This luscious dish pulls together tender bites of chicken, silky orzo, and a velvet tomato sauce enriched with cream and Parmesan—simple pantry ingredients that magically transform into something extraordinary. It’s one of those rare recipes that’s impressive enough for company but easy and quick enough for a busy weeknight, and I promise, you’ll be stealing spoonfuls straight from the pan!

Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of well-chosen ingredients, Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken becomes so much more than the sum of its parts. Each addition—from the aromatic onion to the touch of Parmesan cheese—brings texture, flavor, or color, making the final dish truly irresistible.

Olive oil: Gives the chicken and vegetables a golden, flavorful base.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Opt for thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work beautifully too—just cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that draws out the chicken’s natural flavor and balances the sauce.
Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and savory base to the orzo.
Garlic: Brings bold, fragrant depth that infuses the entire dish.
Dry orzo pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta soaks up all the good flavors and achieves a delightfully creamy texture.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that gives the sauce its rich color and taste.
Diced tomatoes (with juices): Canned tomatoes keep it easy, while their juices form the base of the sauce.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Provides savory backbone, letting you control the saltiness.
Heavy cream: The secret to that swoon-worthy creamy finish—half-and-half or milk works for a lighter touch.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for salty, nutty richness.
Italian seasoning: Blends classic herbs for that familiar, warm Italian-inspired flavor.
Baby spinach (optional): Wilts in for extra color and a little nutritional bonus.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional): The perfect bright, herby garnish to finish your dish with flair.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start your Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken adventure by heating a swirl of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper, then add them to the sizzling pan. Let each piece take on a gorgeous golden color—about 5 to 6 minutes should do the trick. Once the chicken is cooked through and juicy, remove it from the pan and set aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet (no need to clean up those tasty browned bits!), toss in your chopped onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onion softens and turns translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it become fragrant—about 30 tantalizing seconds is all it takes.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo and Tomato Paste

Scatter the dry orzo and tomato paste into the pan. Stir them around for roughly a minute, letting the tomato paste deepen in color and the orzo soak up the residual oil and flavor. This step builds a wonderful toasty, nutty base for the Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken.

Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes with all their juices, and add the chicken broth. As you stir, scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom—they’re flavor gold! Bring everything to a lively simmer, then turn the heat to medium-low. Let the orzo cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then so nothing sticks. The pasta will plump up, absorb most of the liquid, and start smelling absolutely amazing.

Step 5: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Spinach

Now, the magic happens: return your cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the heavy cream, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning, and add your baby spinach if you like. Mix until the sauce becomes gloriously creamy and silky, and the spinach wilts into ribbons. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed—then dive into the Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken you’ve just created.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken

Garnishes

This dish absolutely shines with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top. The herbs lend a lovely touch of color and a hit of freshness that contrasts all that creamy goodness. If you’re feeling extra, another dusting of Parmesan right before serving works wonders.

Side Dishes

While Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is a meal-in-one, you can make it even more special with sides! Try a simply dressed green salad or roasted asparagus to keep things light, or serve with crusty bread for dunking into that irresistible sauce. If you love texture, a crisp fennel and citrus salad pairs beautifully, giving brightness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, serve it right from the skillet at the table. Hosting guests? Spoon the orzo into shallow bowls for a rustic-yet-elegant look. You can also portion Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken into ramekins or small casseroles, top with extra cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden finish—guaranteed to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken keeps surprisingly well! Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits—just keep in mind the orzo will continue to absorb some sauce.

Freezing

While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze it in a pinch. Cool it completely first, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen things up as you reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir frequently, and heat until everything is hot and creamy again—just the way it should be!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Add it in during the last step, just long enough to warm through so it doesn’t dry out.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?

Yes, you can substitute an unsweetened non-dairy creamer (like coconut cream or cashew cream) for the heavy cream. The texture will stay luscious, and you can use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor if skipping the Parmesan.

What if I don’t have orzo pasta?

No problem! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti can work in a pinch—just adjust the cooking time as needed so the pasta becomes tender and creamy.

How do I make Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken vegetarian?

Swap the chicken out for white beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get all that creamy, tomato-packed flavor in every bite!

Can Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken be made ahead for a dinner party?

Definitely! Prepare the dish up to the point before adding the cream and cheese, then refrigerate. Just reheat gently and finish with the cream, cheese, and spinach right before serving for the best texture and taste.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is pure comfort in a bowl—simple to make, soul-satisfying, and bound to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. With its cozy richness and bright flavors, it’s the dish you’ll crave again and again. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite at your table!

Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and creamy one-pot meal featuring tender orzo pasta cooked in a rich tomato sauce with succulent pieces of chicken. This Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Orzo:

1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup dry orzo pasta
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup baby spinach (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the pan and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Prepare the Orzo: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the orzo and tomato paste and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Cook the Orzo: Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and spinach (if using). Cook for 2–3 more minutes, until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve: Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve warm.