Name: Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy/whipping cream; 1 cup uncooked orzo; 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 handful fresh basil, torn; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Introduction

This Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and tender orzo pasta, it comes together easily and satisfies every craving.

A close-up view of a white plate with small raised dots on the edge, filled with creamy orange-colored pasta mixed with visible small bits of green herbs, likely fresh basil, scattered on top. The pasta is covered with a light layer of grated white cheese, and some black pepper specks are visible. On the left side of the plate, a gold fork holds a small bite of the creamy pasta. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 small onion, chopped finely
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy or whipping cream
1 cup uncooked orzo
2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 handful fresh basil, torn
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: 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 softened.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the dry white wine and let it bubble for 30 seconds to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning, mixing well to combine.
Step 5: Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and uncooked orzo. Increase heat to high and stir thoroughly to dissolve the tomato paste. When the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Stir in the cooked chicken, grated parmesan cheese, and torn fresh basil. Remove the pot from heat and cover for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Substitute fresh chicken breast cooked and shredded if you don’t have rotisserie chicken.
For a lighter option, swap heavy cream for half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic for a subtle spicy kick.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly and swap chicken for mushrooms or tofu.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a creamy orange soup with shredded chicken and green basil pieces mixed inside a white pot. The thick soup has visible flecks of black pepper, and the creamy texture coats a wooden spoon lifting a scoop full of soup, showing small soft pasta pieces. The edges of the pot have some orange soup stains, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without white wine?

Yes, you can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol or don’t have wine on hand.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

This dish can be made ahead, but the orzo may absorb too much liquid and become thick after refrigeration. To loosen it when reheating, stir in a little extra broth or cream.