Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken
Hey there, lovely friend! Today, I’m excited to share with you my go-to recipe for Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken. This dish is a real crowd-pleaser in my house, and I love the way the creamy tomato sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and orzo pasta. It’s comfort food at its finest, with a touch of elegance that makes it suitable for any occasion.
When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was a bit skeptical about the combination of flavors, but one bite was all it took to win me over. Now, it’s a regular feature on our dinner table, especially on cozy evenings when we crave something hearty and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This
Let me tell you, I make this dish when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, even though it’s ready in under an hour. My family goes crazy for this because it’s a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
Ingredients:
For this recipe, you’ll need {focused keyword}, chicken breast, orzo pasta, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Feel free to customize it to your taste – I sometimes use fresh basil instead of Italian seasoning for a more vibrant flavor.
Directions:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sauté them until golden brown. In the same pan, cook the onions and garlic until fragrant before adding the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Let it simmer until the flavors meld together, then stir in the orzo and heavy cream. Cook until the orzo is tender and the sauce is creamy.
Notes:
Through trial and error, I’ve found that adding a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end enhances the depth of flavor in this dish. It’s a little secret that takes it from delicious to extraordinary. Don’t skip this step!
Variations:
One experiment I tried was adding sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of umami, but it ended up overpowering the other flavors. Lesson learned! Sometimes, simplicity is key when it comes to this recipe.
Equipment:
If you don’t have a large skillet, a Dutch oven works just as well for cooking this dish. The key is to have a vessel with enough space to allow the orzo to cook evenly and absorb all the creamy goodness.
Storage Information:
Though honestly, in my house, this Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken never lasts more than a day! However, if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to revive the creaminess.
Serving Suggestions:
I love serving this dish with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the creamy tomato orzo perfectly. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!
Pro Tips:
After a few mishaps, I’ve learned that it’s crucial not to rush the cooking of the orzo. Let it simmer gently in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors, for the best results. Trust me; patience pays off in this recipe!
FAQ:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, adding a bit more richness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through. Experiment and see which you prefer!
Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken
Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken is a delightful dish where tender chicken is cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with orzo pasta, creating a comforting and elegant meal. Perfect for satisfying cravings on cozy evenings and impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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4 chicken breasts
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1 cup orzo pasta
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1 can diced tomatoes
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 cups chicken broth
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2 cloves garlic
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1 onion
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
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Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Sauté seasoned chicken breasts in a skillet until golden brown, then set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant.
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Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then bring to a simmer.
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Stir in orzo pasta and heavy cream, let it cook until the orzo is tender and the sauce is creamy.
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Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for a few more minutes.
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Serve the Creamy Tomato Orzo with Chicken hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
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Enjoy!
