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This warm and cozy meal brings juicy chicken and tasty orzo together in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. You get it all done in a single pot in about half an hour.
If you toast the orzo first, it gives everything a yummy, roasted note that really brings this dish up a notch. Don't skip it.
Irresistible Ingredients:
- Fresh basil: Makes it taste light and fresh
- Quality Parmesan: Grate it yourself for best results
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Packs a ton of flavor
- Rotisserie chicken: Super easy and quick
- Heavy cream: Makes everything extra creamy
- Orzo pasta: Smooth and cooks fast like risotto
- White wine: Gives a bold finishing touch
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Simple Steps to Follow:
- Finish Up
- Let everything sit under the lid
- Fold in fresh basil
- Mix in Parmesan gently
- Stir shredded chicken through
- Cook Orzo
- Keep an eye on the texture
- Add more broth if it’s too thick
- Bite test for doneness
- Stir so nothing burns
- Create Sauce
- Bring in the cream last
- Pour broth in slowly
- Splash in the wine
- Let everything bubble and thicken
- Flavor Foundation
- Toss in seasonings and garlic
- Toast the orzo until it’s a little golden
- Add in tomato paste with sun-dried tomatoes
- Start with butter and oil in the pan
Easy Storage Ideas:
Store in the fridge for three to four days. Skip freezing since the sauce can split when thawed.
Tasty Pairings:
Try it with a fresh salad or some crusty garlic bread on the side.
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Cook’s Handy Hints:
- Don’t skimp on a good wine
- Use freshly grated Parmesan, not pre-shredded
- Add more broth if it looks dry
- Taste and tweak salt and pepper after simmering
After making this quite a few times, I’ve learned slow and steady stirring plus not overdoing the liquid is what gives the best creamy texture.
Recipe FAQs
- → Why keep an eye on the liquid?
- Orzo drinks up liquid pretty fast, so pour in a splash more broth if it starts looking dry.
- → Can I leave out the wine?
- Just use more chicken stock if you don't want wine.
- → Which chicken is best here?
- Rotisserie is super easy, or grab any cooked and pulled chicken you have.
- → Is this good for meal prep?
- Eat it fresh if you can. It gets thicker if it sits in the fridge.
- → Got any tasty swaps?
- Toss in more veggies or swap chicken for shrimp. Both are great.
Effortless Chicken Orzo
Tender chicken, parmesan cheese, sunny tomatoes, and orzo pasta come together in a creamy sauce and lots of basil.
Ingredients
→ Base
→ Sauce Base
→ Liquids
→ Seasonings
Steps
Toss in orzo, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, pepper flakes, oregano, butter, and some olive oil. Let it all sizzle for a couple minutes.
Pour in the wine and let it bubble away. Then throw in cream and stock, keep stirring while it gently cooks for about 10 minutes.
Stir in the chicken, parmesan cheese, and basil leaves. Pop on a lid and let it get thick and creamy—this takes just a few minutes.
Notes
- Keep an eye out so the orzo doesn’t dry up
- Keep the heat low enough so it stays just bubbling
Required Equipment
- Big pot
Allergen Information
Double-check every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
- Has dairy
- Has wheat
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This data is for informational purposes only and doesn’t replace medical advice.
- Calories: 655
- Fat: 40 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Protein: 30 g