Savory Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Orzo

Featured in Simple, Tasty Pasta for Every Day.

This Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Orzo is a creamy, one-dish meal that’s ready fast. Toasting orzo pasta with fragrant aromatics deepens its flavor, and as the cooking progresses, the risotto-inspired technique gives the sauce its silky texture. Starting with rotisserie chicken and adding cream and white wine makes this a simple yet classy dinner, perfect for hectic evenings. Done in around 20 minutes.
Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:23:28 GMT
Comforting Chicken Orzo Pasta Pin it
Comforting Chicken Orzo Pasta | thefamilycooks.com

This elegant one-pot Creamy Chicken and Orzo dish combines tender pasta, succulent chicken, and a velvety sun-dried tomato sauce. The recipe transforms everyday ingredients into an unforgettable meal that balances rich flavors with remarkable simplicity.

Key Ingredients Guide

  • Sun-dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed for maximum flavor intensity
  • Dry White Wine: Choose a quality drinking wine
  • Heavy Cream: Full-fat creates ideal texture
  • Parmesan: Fresh-grated for smooth melting
  • Fresh Basil: Choose bright, crisp leaves

Step-by-Step Preparation

Initial Pan Setup
Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter until shimmering.
Create Flavor Foundation
Sauté tomato paste briefly, then incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and aromatics.
Toast the Orzo
Add pasta to pan, stirring until lightly golden for enhanced nutty flavor.
Incorporate Liquids
Deglaze with wine, then add broth and cream in sequence.
Cook Pasta
Simmer uncovered, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.
Final Touches
Incorporate chicken, cheese, and fresh herbs off heat.
Easy Marry Me Chicken Orzo Pin it
Easy Marry Me Chicken Orzo | thefamilycooks.com

Perfecting the Sauce

Remove from heat when sauce appears slightly thin - it will naturally reach ideal consistency while resting.

Timing Guidelines

The orzo cooking process takes approximately 10 minutes, matching perfectly with sauce reduction time. Monitor heat level carefully.

Wine Selection Guide

Pinot Grigio provides optimal flavor balance. For alcohol-free version, use fresh lemon juice to achieve necessary acidity.

Yummy Marry Me Chicken Orzo Pin it
Yummy Marry Me Chicken Orzo | thefamilycooks.com

This sophisticated pasta dish exemplifies culinary transformation - basic ingredients elevated to create an exceptional meal combining comfort and refinement.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do you toast the orzo before cooking it?
Toasting the orzo upfront brings out a richer taste and keeps it from clumping together.
→ Is there a lighter option instead of heavy cream?
You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half, but the dish won’t be as rich.
→ Why is stirring the orzo important?
Frequent stirring helps release starch from the orzo, giving the sauce its creamy texture, and also stops it from sticking.
→ Can fresh tomatoes take the place of sun-dried ones?
Nope, the concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes is key—fresh ones won’t have the same intensity.
→ Any tips for storing leftovers?
Pop leftovers into a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a bit of cream when you warm it up again!

Chicken Orzo with Sun-dried Tomato

An all-in-one pasta meal with a creamy tomato sauce made with parmesan, basil, and chicken paired with orzo.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 cup of dry orzo pasta
02 2 tablespoons of butter
03 1 tablespoon of olive oil

→ Aromatics & Seasonings

04 4 cloves of garlic, chopped finely
05 1/3 cup of sun-dried tomatoes
06 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
07 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
08 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red chili flakes

→ Liquids & Cheese

09 1 cup of heavy cream
10 1/2 cup of dry white wine
11 1.5 cups of chicken stock
12 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, shredded fresh

→ Protein & Herbs

13 2 cups of chicken, cooked and pulled apart or store-bought rotisserie
14 A small handful of basil leaves, ripped up or chopped
15 Season with pepper and salt as you like

Instructions

Step 01

In a pan on medium-high heat, mix butter, oil, garlic, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, chili flakes, and orzo. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring regularly, after the butter is melted.

Step 02

Pour in the wine and let it simmer for a minute. Add cream and chicken stock, stir it together, and gently bring to a boil. Keep the heat low enough so it doesn’t overboil, and cook for 10 minutes uncovered, giving it a stir every now and then so it doesn’t stick.

Step 03

Mix in the chicken, parmesan, and basil. Take it off the heat and cover it up for 3-5 minutes so the sauce thickens to your liking. Add salt and pepper to taste at the end.

Notes

  1. If you notice the liquid disappearing too quickly, just add more cream or broth.
  2. Leave the lid on a bit longer if there seems to be too much liquid left.

Tools You'll Need

  • A deep skillet or wide pot
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy—cream, cheese, and butter
  • Contains gluten—found in orzo pasta

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 655
  • Total Fat: 40 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40 g
  • Protein: 30 g