Tomato Basil Chicken Orzo

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil The main ingredients create the heart of this dish. The chicken adds protein and flavor. Orzo pasta provides a fun texture. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color. Chicken broth adds depth, making everything taste rich. Olive oil gives a lovely base for cooking. - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil) - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Seasonings boost flavor in this meal. Garlic gives a warm, savory taste. Dried Italian herbs add a classic touch. Fresh basil brightens the dish with freshness. Parmesan cheese adds creaminess and saltiness, making it extra special. - Skillet - Spoon for stirring - Measuring cups and spoons You'll need a few basic tools to make this dish. A skillet helps cook everything evenly. A spoon is perfect for stirring and mixing. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you add the right amounts of each ingredient. These tools make cooking simple and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. While the skillet warms, season the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. When the oil shimmers, place the chicken in the pan. Cook it for 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a nice browning and ensure it’s cooked through. Once done, take it out and let it rest. Next, use the same skillet. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté them for about 30 seconds. You want them fragrant but not burnt. Then, toss in 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these for 3-4 minutes. The tomatoes should soften and release their juices. This step adds great flavor to the dish. Now it's time for the orzo. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Once bubbling, add in 1 cup of orzo pasta. Stir well to combine everything. Cover the skillet and cook according to the package instructions, which is usually about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to check for that al dente texture. You want the orzo to have a slight bite, so avoid overcooking. After the orzo is ready, it’s time to bring it all together. Slice the rested chicken and mix it with the orzo, tomatoes, and basil. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To ensure your orzo cooks just right, keep an eye on the time. Cook it until it is al dente. This means it should be tender but still firm when you bite into it. Overcooked orzo can become mushy, ruining the dish's texture. Balancing flavors is key. Use salt and pepper to enhance the taste. The dried Italian herbs add depth. You can also taste as you cook. This way, you adjust the seasoning to your liking. Serving your Tomato Basil Chicken Orzo in shallow bowls makes it look inviting. Add extra basil leaves on top for a pop of green. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese for a nice finish. It adds color and flavor, making the meal more appealing. Prep time is quick! You can chop the garlic and tomatoes while the chicken cooks. This saves time and keeps everything moving. Also, measure your ingredients ahead of time. This way, you won’t waste time searching for items while cooking. Using one skillet for everything cuts down on dishwashing. Cook the chicken first, then use the same pan for the garlic and tomatoes. It builds flavor and saves time. Enjoy your meal in about 30 minutes! Pro Tips Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a more tender and flavorful bite. Use Fresh Herbs: For the best flavor, use fresh basil instead of dried. Add it at the end of cooking to retain its vibrant taste and aroma. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Feta or mozzarella can also be delicious alternatives to Parmesan. Cook Orzo Perfectly: Keep an eye on the orzo while it cooks, as it can easily become mushy. Taste it a minute or two before the package suggests to ensure it’s al dente. {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, try using turkey or shrimp instead of chicken. Both options bring a lovely taste. For orzo, quinoa or rice works well too. They add a nice texture and flavor. You can also throw in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. They add color and nutrients. For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta or rice. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. You can also make it dairy-free by skipping the Parmesan cheese. You could use a dairy-free cheese alternative if you miss that cheesy flavor. Want to spice it up? Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also brighten the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice gives a fresh zing that complements the tomatoes. You can even add lemon zest for more flavor. These small changes can make a big difference in taste. To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. I recommend using glass containers for easy reheating. They are great for tracking how much you have left. You can freeze Tomato Basil Chicken Orzo, but I suggest only freezing the orzo. The chicken can change texture when frozen. To freeze, place the cooled orzo in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a pot on low heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist. In the fridge, this dish lasts about 3-4 days. If you freeze the orzo, it can last for up to 3 months. Just remember, the fresher you eat it, the better it tastes! To make Tomato Basil Chicken Orzo in a slow cooker, follow these steps: 1. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. 2. Slow Cook: Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and chicken broth. 3. Add Orzo: After 3 hours on low, stir in the orzo pasta. Cover and cook for another hour. 4. Finish: Once cooked, shred the chicken. Stir in chopped basil and serve. This method keeps the chicken tender and lets the flavors blend well. Yes, you can use dried herbs in place of fresh herbs. Here’s how to substitute: - Ratio: Use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs. So, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of fresh basil, use 1/3 cup of dried basil. - Flavor: Dried herbs release flavor slowly. Add them early in the cooking process to enhance the dish. Remember, fresh herbs provide a bright flavor, while dried herbs offer a deeper, more concentrated taste. Tomato Basil Chicken Orzo pairs well with many side dishes. Consider these options: - Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness. - Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up sauce. - Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans complement the meal. - Grilled Asparagus: A touch of charred flavor balances the dish nicely. These sides enhance the meal and make it even more enjoyable. This recipe for Tomato Basil Chicken Orzo brings tasty joy to your table. We covered each ingredient, from chicken to orzo, and included great tips for perfecting your dish. You learned how to cook it step-by-step and how to adapt it based on your needs. Remember, it’s all about balance and flavor. With these ideas and tricks, you’ll serve a delightful meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make it your own!$

Tomato Basil Chicken Orzo

A delicious and hearty dish featuring chicken, orzo pasta, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
1 2 grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cover and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth.
Meanwhile, slice the cooked chicken. Once the orzo is ready, stir in the chopped basil and sliced chicken. Mix well and allow everything to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Notes

Serve the dish in shallow bowls garnished with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a colorful touch.

Keyword basil, chicken, orzo, pasta, tomato