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Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 96 reviews

Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is a rich and comforting one-pot meal featuring tender orzo pasta simmered in a luscious tomato and cream sauce, enhanced with savory chicken, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. This easy stovetop recipe combines simple ingredients for a deliciously satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauté Base

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 small onion, chopped finely
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Seasoning

  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo
  • 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 handful fresh basil, torn
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds, releasing its fragrant aroma without browning it.
  3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and allow it to bubble for 30 seconds to deglaze the pan and reduce slightly.
  4. Add Tomato Paste and Seasoning: Mix in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning, stirring to incorporate them evenly into the base.
  5. Combine Liquids and Orzo: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and uncooked orzo to the pot. Increase heat to high and stir thoroughly to dissolve the tomato paste.
  6. Simmer the Orzo: Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens.
  7. Finish with Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the cooked chicken, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and torn fresh basil leaves. Remove the pot from heat.
  8. Rest and Season: Cover the pot with a lid and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

  • Using rotisserie chicken saves time but shredded cooked chicken works just as well.
  • Keep stirring during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end to suit your taste preferences.
  • For a lighter version, substitute cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Fresh basil can be replaced with dried Italian herbs if fresh is unavailable.

Keywords: Creamy Tomato Orzo, chicken orzo recipe, one pot meal, Italian pasta dish, creamy pasta, quick dinner, rotisserie chicken recipe

Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/creamy-tomato-orzo-with-chicken-recipe/