One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Parmesan Orzo

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

A comforting, easy-to-make one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a tomato basil sauce with creamy Parmesan orzo. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 540 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 540 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then sear them for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same pan, add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and garlic is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 3 cups chicken broth, and 1 cup orzo pasta. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Step 4: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the orzo is tender and chicken is cooked through to 165°F internal temperature.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using for a mild kick. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Parmesan 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Chicken with Parmesan 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 Parmesan 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 Parmesan 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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