One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Orzo

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chicken thighs simmered with orzo in a rich tomato-basil sauce for a comforting meal. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless and skinless chicken thighs, orzo pasta, can diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to pot and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, orzo, and 2 tbsp chopped basil. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
  4. Step 4: Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring once, until orzo is tender and sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in remaining basil and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Orzo take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and Orzo?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep orzo pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken and 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 Tomato Basil Chicken and 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 Tomato Basil Chicken and 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.

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