One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Orzo

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting weeknight meal where chicken, orzo, and tomatoes simmer together with fresh basil for a complete, flavorful dish. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless and skinless chicken thighs, orzo pasta, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces), 1 cup orzo pasta, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1.5 cups chicken broth, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 with 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 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 Tomato Basil Chicken 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 Tomato Basil Chicken 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.

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