Description
This One-Pan Creamy Tomato Basil Orzo with Chicken is a flavorful and comforting meal made in a single skillet. Tender chicken pieces are simmered with orzo pasta in a rich tomato-basil cream sauce, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cooked chicken. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil and butter for extra richness. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach or kale for the basil for a twist.
- Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter dish.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more broth if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: one-pan orzo, creamy tomato basil chicken, easy dinner, skillet meal, weeknight recipe