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)
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.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- This dish thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
