If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. This comforting, luscious meal combines tender chunks of chicken with delicate orzo pasta swimming in a rich, tomato-infused cream sauce. Each bite brings together a beautiful balance of tangy tomato, aromatic herbs, and cheesy goodness, making it an absolute favorite for weeknight dinners or anytime you want something simple but spectacular. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become one of your go-to recipes, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that make this dish so irresistible. Each element, from the garlic’s savory kick to the creamy parmesan finish, plays a vital role in making your Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe truly memorable.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps carry the flavors of the aromatics as they cook.
- Butter: Brings richness and helps create a smooth base for the sauce.
- Onion (finely chopped): Provides a mellow sweetness that deepens with sautéing.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers a fragrant punch that wakes up the taste buds.
- Dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity to balance the creamy sauce.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and gives the sauce its signature color and tang.
- Italian seasoning: A lovely blend of herbs that brings an earthy, aromatic touch.
- Chicken broth: Gives a savory depth and helps cook the orzo perfectly.
- Heavy/whipping cream: Creates the luscious, silky texture that makes this dish feel indulgent.
- Uncooked orzo: Small pasta that cooks to tender perfection and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Cooked/rotisserie chicken: Adds hearty protein and convenience without sacrificing flavor.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, bringing a nutty, salty finish.
- Fresh basil (torn): Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal lift at the end.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together just right.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it sauté for about five minutes until it becomes soft and fragrant. This foundation is crucial because those soft onions will melt seamlessly into the sauce later, building natural sweetness and depth.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds to a minute until you can really smell that inviting, savory aroma. Garlic can burn quickly, so keep it moving and be ready for the next step right away.
Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in the white wine and give the pot a good stir. Let the wine bubble and reduce briefly for about 30 seconds. This step lifts all those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pot, infusing the base of your sauce with extra flavor and a slight tang that cuts through the richness.
Step 4: Stir in Tomato Paste and Italian Seasoning
Now, add the tomato paste along with the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together thoroughly, coating the onions and garlic in the vibrant tomato paste. This gives the sauce depth, color, and a beautiful blend of herbs that will shine through in the final dish.
Step 5: Cook the Orzo in Cream and Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and uncooked orzo. Turn the heat up to high to bring the mixture to a boil, then stir well to dissolve the tomato paste completely. Keep an eye on it! Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer — just enough bubbles to cook the orzo without boiling over. Cook, uncovered, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
Step 6: Incorporate Chicken, Cheese, and Basil
Finally, stir in your cooked chicken, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and torn fresh basil leaves. Remove the pot from the heat and cover it for 3-5 minutes. This resting time lets all the flavors meld and the sauce thicken just the right amount. Taste and season with salt and pepper as you like.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats a pop of color and fresh texture at the end! Sprinkle extra parmesan or a few whole basil leaves on top for a fresh, fragrant finish that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. For a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty meal pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. Think lightly dressed arugula or a simple cucumber salad for freshness and crunch, balancing the richness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more formal dinner, serve the Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe in elegant shallow bowls, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers. For a casual meal, pop it into colorful ceramic bowls and let everyone dig in family-style. It’s also fantastic spooned into hollowed-out tomatoes for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe, but since it contains cream and pasta, texture may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in small portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months to keep it tasting fresh.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir often to prevent sticking and keep that creamy texture silky smooth. The microwave works too, but take care to heat in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo is ideal because it mimics rice and cooks quickly, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or tiny shells work beautifully. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. For dairy-free versions, try coconut cream, though it will subtly change the flavor profile.
Is rotisserie chicken the best choice?
Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, making it perfect for this recipe. Of course, leftover cooked chicken or even freshly cooked chicken breast or thighs work just as well.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken, or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or hearty chickpeas to keep it satisfying and flavorful.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild by default, focusing on creamy, savory, and herbal notes. You can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of warmth.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe is a treasure of comfort and flavor that comes together surprisingly quickly with simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or serving guests who love a hearty, beautiful meal, this recipe will not disappoint. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy, creamy goodness that always has me coming back for seconds!
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Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and al dente orzo pasta. Cooked on the stovetop with simple ingredients like garlic, white wine, and fresh basil, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with rich, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Liquid & Pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
Protein & Cheese
- 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Finishing Touches
- 1 handful fresh basil, torn
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, to avoid burning.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and let it bubble for 30 seconds to reduce slightly and lift any fond from the bottom of the pan for enhanced flavor.
- Add Tomato Paste & Seasoning: Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning, mixing thoroughly to combine and develop the base sauce.
- Add Liquids and Orzo: Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and uncooked orzo into the pot. Increase heat to high and stir well to dissolve the tomato paste fully. Once it boils, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the cooked chicken, freshly grated parmesan, and torn fresh basil. Remove the pot from heat, cover, and let it sit for 3-5 minutes to thicken the sauce and allow flavors to meld.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, hearty pasta dish.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover cooked chicken.
- Adjust the cream quantity if you want a lighter or richer sauce.
- White wine can be substituted with additional chicken broth if preferred.
- Stir frequently during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pot.
- Fresh basil adds brightness, but you can substitute with dried herbs in a pinch.
