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- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 small onion, diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) This recipe brings together fresh tastes and rich flavors. You start with chicken breasts, orzo, and tomatoes. The chicken gives you a nice protein base. The orzo adds a fun pasta twist. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet and tangy kick. Onion and garlic boost the dish with savory notes. You need chicken broth to cook the orzo. It adds depth and flavor. Heavy cream makes everything creamy and rich. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty taste. Fresh basil gives a bright finish. Olive oil helps to sauté the chicken and veggies. Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes spice things up. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. A well-prepped kitchen makes the process smoother and more fun. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Season 1 pound of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. - Add the chicken to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. - Look for golden brown color and ensure it's cooked through. - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - In the same skillet, add 1 small diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. - Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute. - Toss in 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook until they soften, about 3-4 minutes. - Use the back of a spoon to crush some tomatoes for extra flavor. - Stir in 1 cup of orzo pasta and 2 cups of chicken broth. - Bring this mix to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. - Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Once the orzo is tender, lower the heat. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. - Mix well and add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts. - Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet. - Add 1 cup of chopped basil and red pepper flakes if desired. - Stir gently to combine everything and heat through. - Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. To make this dish shine, season the chicken well. Use salt and pepper, but feel free to add your favorite herbs. For a kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Fresh ingredients are key for the best taste. Use ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. They add flavor and color to the dish. To avoid overcooking the chicken, monitor the cooking time closely. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Check for a golden brown color and no pink inside. For creamy orzo, stir it often while it simmers. This helps it absorb the broth and cream without clumping. Serve your creamy tomato basil chicken orzo in shallow bowls. This makes it look inviting and colorful. Garnish with extra basil leaves on top for freshness. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds flavor and looks great. These small touches make a big difference in presentation. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken for shrimp or tofu. For shrimp, cook them for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink. If using tofu, cut it into cubes. Sauté the tofu for about 5-7 minutes until golden. This keeps the meal tasty and fun. To make it vegetarian, just leave out the chicken. You can still enjoy creamy orzo with all the yummy flavors. For vegan options, swap heavy cream with coconut milk. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy taste without dairy. Add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for more color and nutrients. Toss in spinach right before serving for a fresh taste. You can also spice it up! Try adding dried oregano or thyme for a twist. Mixing in red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick. Enjoy playing with flavors to make this dish your own! To store your creamy tomato basil chicken orzo, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, try to use it within this time frame to enjoy the best flavor. You can freeze this dish if you have extra portions. Use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It will stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best taste. For reheating, use the stove for the best results. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. Heat it on low, stirring gently. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the orzo from getting too dry. Enjoy your meal just like it was fresh! Yes, you can! If you want to try a different pasta, penne or fusilli works well. These shapes hold sauce nicely, just like orzo. You could also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Just remember, cooking times may vary. Check the package for the right cooking time. Absolutely! To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use a dairy-free cream substitute. These options keep it rich and tasty while fitting a dairy-free diet. To make this recipe ahead, cook the chicken and sauce as directed. Let it cool, then store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it creamy. This way, you save time and enjoy a delicious meal! This blog post covered a creamy chicken orzo dish packed with flavor. We explored the key ingredients like chicken, orzo, and fresh tomatoes. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through cooking and tips for perfecting the taste. We also discussed how to adapt the recipe if you want different proteins or flavors. In the end, this dish is simple, delicious, and versatile. Enjoy making it for family and friends!

One-Pan Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Orzo

Whip up a delicious One-Pan Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Orzo in just 30 minutes! This easy recipe combines juicy chicken, tender orzo, and fresh basil in a creamy tomato sauce that is sure to delight your taste buds. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's flavorful and comforting. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight! #ChickenRecipes #DinnerIdeas #OnePanMeals #EasyRecipes
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1 small onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

    In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking until they begin to soften (about 3-4 minutes). Use the back of a spoon to gently crush some of the tomatoes for added flavor.

        Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth, ensuring the pasta is well submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

          Once the orzo is cooked, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, mixing well. Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

            Slice the cooked chicken and place it back into the skillet, along with the chopped basil and red pepper flakes (if using). Gently stir until combined and heated through.

              Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy tomato basil chicken orzo in shallow bowls. Garnish with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for a vibrant and inviting look.