Creamy Tomato Chicken Risoni (Orzo) Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Tomato Chicken Risoni (Orzo) combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce and tender pasta. It’s a comforting yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally to make 4 thinner steaks
• 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
• 1 tsp Italian mixed herbs (Italian seasoning), or substitute with dried oregano
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• ½ tsp sea salt flakes
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 60 ml water
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 80 g sun-dried tomatoes
• 200 g risoni (orzo)
• 500 ml chicken stock
• 250 ml thickened (whipping/heavy) cream
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 90 g baby spinach leaves
• 50 g freshly grated parmesan, plus extra to garnish
• Sea salt flakes, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Flat-leaf parsley, to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the chicken by combining the garlic, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a shallow dish with the chicken. Use your hands to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade.
2. Step 2: Heat a large, deep, heavy-based pan over medium–high heat. Cook the chicken for about 8 minutes, turning once halfway, until just cooked through. Add the water during the last 2 minutes to deglaze the pan, then remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, risoni, chicken stock, cream, dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium–low so the sauce bubbles gently. Cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring regularly, until the risoni is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Step 5: Turn off the heat and stir in the baby spinach and parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the chicken to the pan to warm through (slice first if you prefer). Cover and let sit for 2–3 minutes before serving.
6. Step 6: Serve the dish garnished with fresh parsley if desired, along with extra parmesan on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Substitute spinach with kale or rocket for a different green.
• Use cherry tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a fresher taste.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.
• If you don’t have risoni, orzo pasta is a perfect equivalent.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or stock to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream and parmesan?

You can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute instead of thickened cream, and nutritional yeast can replace parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Creamy Tomato Chicken Risoni (Orzo) Recipe

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Creamy Tomato Chicken Risoni is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful marinade, combined with a creamy sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, rich cream, and parmesan cheese, all simmered together with orzo pasta and fresh spinach to create a luscious and satisfying dinner.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally to make 4 thinner steaks
• 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
• 1 tsp Italian mixed herbs (Italian seasoning), or substitute with dried oregano
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• ½ tsp sea salt flakes
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Cooking Liquid and Sauce

• 60 ml water
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 80 g sun-dried tomatoes
• 200 g risoni (orzo)
• 500 ml chicken stock
• 250 ml thickened (whipping/heavy) cream
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Finishing Ingredients

• 90 g baby spinach leaves
• 50 g freshly grated parmesan, plus extra to garnish
• Sea salt flakes, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Flat-leaf parsley, to serve (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the chicken with the garlic, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Use your hands to evenly coat the chicken in the marinade, ensuring the flavors penetrate the meat well.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large, deep, heavy-based pan over medium–high heat. Cook the chicken for 8 minutes, turning once halfway through, until just cooked through. In the last 2 minutes, add the water to deglaze the pan, lifting all the delicious browned bits from the base. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, followed by the risoni, chicken stock, cream, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together thoroughly and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Simmer the Risoni: Reduce the heat to medium–low to maintain a gentle bubbling. Let the risoni cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
5. Combine Ingredients: Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove. Stir through the baby spinach leaves and grated parmesan until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Return the chicken to the pan, slicing it first if desired, and allow it to warm through. Cover the pan and let sit for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens perfectly.
6. Serve: Serve the creamy tomato chicken risoni hot, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh flat-leaf parsley if desired. This comforting dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.

Notes

• Stir the risoni regularly during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and to ensure even cooking.
• Allowing the dish to sit covered for a few minutes off the heat helps the sauce thicken and the flavors to develop fully.

Keywords: Creamy Tomato Chicken Risoni, Orzo pasta Chicken recipe, one-pan dinner, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato chicken, quick stovetop meal