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In this tasty dish, you will need these main ingredients to create a creamy, flavorful meal: - 2 chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup orzo pasta - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor. The chicken gives protein and heartiness. Orzo adds a fun texture. Crushed tomatoes bring a rich base. Heavy cream makes the dish creamy. Parmesan cheese adds a savory kick. Garlic and oregano give depth to each bite. Finally, fresh basil adds a bright finish. You can easily find these ingredients in your local store. Feel free to adjust based on your taste or what you have on hand. The beauty of cooking lies in its flexibility! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season it with salt, pepper, and oregano. This gives the chicken a great taste. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color; this means it's done. Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the pot. In the same pot, add minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté for about one minute until the garlic smells good. Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a simmer. This step builds rich flavors that make the dish special. Now, add the orzo pasta to the pot. Stir it well to mix everything. Cook according to the package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Check for al dente texture. This means the pasta should be firm but cooked through. After the orzo is done, lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it becomes creamy and smooth. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the pot and add fresh basil. Let everything warm together for a few minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. You are ready to enjoy a delicious meal! - Overcooking the chicken: Cook the chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. If you cook it longer, it will dry out. Always check for a juicy inside. - Timing for adding cream: Add the cream after cooking the orzo. Stir it in on low heat to keep it creamy. If you add it too soon, it may curdle. - Suggestions for additional herbs: You can add thyme or parsley for more depth. Fresh herbs bring vibrant taste. Try mixing them in before serving. - Using stock versus broth: Chicken stock gives a richer flavor than broth. Use it for a more robust sauce. If you go with broth, add more herbs to lift the taste. - Garnishing options: Top your dish with extra basil or Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds color and a hint of heat. - Serving suggestions for variety: Serve with a side salad or garlic bread. This meal pairs well with a light white wine for a special touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor that dried basil cannot replicate. Add it at the end to maintain its fresh taste and aroma. Customize the Heat: If you enjoy spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Perfectly Cooked Orzo: Stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking together, ensuring a creamy and fluffy texture. Make it Healthier: Substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version that still provides creaminess. {{image_2}} You can switch out chicken for shrimp or tofu. Both options add unique flavors. If you use shrimp, cook it for about 3-5 minutes until it turns pink. For tofu, sauté it until golden brown, which takes around 5-7 minutes. This keeps the dish fresh and fun. To make a meat-free version, simply skip the chicken. You can add veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. These options bring color and nutrition. Sauté them with garlic for extra flavor. You can also add chickpeas for protein if you want a heartier dish. If you need a gluten-free meal, swap orzo for gluten-free pasta. Look for options like rice or quinoa pasta. Keep an eye on cooking times, as they may differ. Start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier to avoid mushiness. Enjoy a creamy meal without the gluten! To keep your creamy tomato basil chicken orzo fresh, place it in the fridge. Use airtight containers for best results. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Try to eat leftovers within three days for the best taste. You can reheat your orzo in two ways: the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place your portion in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it warm evenly. For stovetop, use a pan on low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy. Stir gently until heated through. Yes, you can freeze this dish! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the stovetop method with a bit of liquid to restore creaminess. Enjoy it within three months for the best flavor. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. To do this, cook the chicken and make the sauce. Let the sauce cool, then store it in the fridge. Cook the orzo just before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. You can use fresh tomatoes! Use about 2-3 medium tomatoes. First, blanch them to remove the skin. Then, chop them and add them to the pot. You may need to add a bit more broth to keep it saucy. Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo, try penne or fusilli. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose. Make sure it’s cooked al dente for the best texture in your dish. This blog post explored a delicious chicken orzo recipe. We went through the key ingredients, simple steps for cooking, and tips to avoid common mistakes. I shared ways to enhance flavor and suggested tasty variations for different diets. Remember to store leftovers well and follow the reheating tips to keep your dish creamy. Whether you follow the recipe or adapt it, have fun and enjoy cooking. This dish can bring warmth and comfort, perfect for any occasion.

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Orzo

A delicious and creamy dish featuring chicken, orzo pasta, and fresh basil in a tomato sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using); sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
  • Add the orzo pasta to the pot and stir well. Cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the orzo is al dente.
  • Reduce the heat to low, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until combined and creamy.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in fresh basil. Allow everything to warm together for a couple of minutes, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Serve immediately, garnishing with additional basil and Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Keyword basil, chicken, creamy, orzo, tomato