Pin it
A soothing single-pot dish with juicy chicken and orzo pasta swimming in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, done in half an hour flat.
What makes this meal stand out is browning the orzo first before adding any liquids - this creates a wonderful nutty taste that transforms the whole dish.
Key Components:
- Orzo pasta: Gives a texture like risotto
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Packed with flavor
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce smooth
- White wine: Adds rich notes
- Fresh basil: Gives a fresh lift
- Quality Parmesan: Grated right before using
- Rotisserie chicken: Saves time and effort
Pin it
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide:
- Start Your Base
- Warm up oil with butter
- Toss in tomato paste with sun-dried tomatoes
- Brown the orzo slightly
- Mix in garlic and spices
- Whip Up The Sauce
- Pour wine to loosen bits from pan
- Slowly pour in your broth
- Add the cream
- Let it bubble till thick
- Get The Orzo Tender
- Keep mixing often
- Check for slight firmness
- Add more liquid if it's too dry
- Look for the right thickness
- Complete Your Dish
- Mix in the chicken
- Sprinkle and mix in Parmesan
- Gently mix in basil
- Cover and let sit
Keeping It Fresh:
Good for 3-4 days in the fridge. Skip freezing as the cream sauce won't hold up well.
Tasty Companions:
Goes great with some crusty garlic bread or a light green salad.
Pin it
Pro Cooking Tricks:
- Pick a nice drinking wine
- Always grate cheese yourself
- Monitor how the liquid soaks in
- Taste and add salt at the end
I've made this dish countless times now, and I've learned that taking your time with stirring and watching your liquid amounts will get you that perfect creamy texture every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why check the liquid level?
- Orzo soaks up lots of liquid fast. Toss in extra if it's drying out.
- → No wine on hand?
- You can totally swap it with more chicken broth.
- → What kind of chicken works?
- Rotisserie is tops! Any cooked shredded chicken will do.
- → Can I prep it early?
- It's better fresh. The sauce gets thicker as it sits.
- → Want some variety?
- Throw in shrimp or mix in extra veggies for a twist.