One-Pot Chicken in Tomato Basil Sauce with Orzo

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato basil sauce, served over orzo for a complete, no-fuss weeknight meal. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes blends boneless chicken breasts, orzo pasta, canned diced tomatoes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 410 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add minced garlic to skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Add orzo pasta, stirring to combine, and cook for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid thickens.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to skillet, add 1/4 cup chopped basil and 1 tbsp lemon juice, and simmer for 3 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1/4 cup grated parmesan until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, then serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Chicken in Tomato Basil Sauce with Orzo take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Chicken in Tomato Basil Sauce with Orzo?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Chicken in Tomato Basil Sauce with Orzo?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pot Chicken in Tomato Basil Sauce with Orzo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pot Chicken in Tomato Basil Sauce with Orzo?

Italian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes