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
Scale
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.
