Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Orzo
If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and full of vibrant flavors, Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Orzo is the perfect answer. This one-pot wonder brings together tender chicken breast, delicate orzo pasta, and the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers, all swirled into a luscious creamy sauce. It’s a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly enough for any weeknight dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is designed to impress with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe hits all the right notes. First, the chicken breast is diced into bite-sized pieces, allowing it to cook quickly and evenly, ensuring juicy, tender bites. The orzo pasta adds a unique texture—not quite pasta, not quite rice—which absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. Roasted red peppers bring a smoky sweetness that elevates the dish without overpowering it. The combination of heavy cream and chicken broth creates a rich yet balanced sauce, while Italian seasoning and fresh basil add aromatic depth and freshness. Plus, everything cooks in one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor integration.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 jar (12 oz) roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Kitchen Gear Checklist
- Large sauté pan or deep skillet – for cooking chicken and simmering orzo
- Knife and cutting board – to dice the chicken and chop vegetables
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient portions
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring the sauce
- Colander – to drain the roasted red peppers
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Orzo: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by dicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Drain the roasted red peppers and chop them into small pieces. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in your sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pan, add a touch more olive oil if needed. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step brings out the sweetness of the onion and deepens the flavor profile.
Step 4: Toast the Orzo
Add the orzo pasta to the pan, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes. Toasting the orzo before adding liquids enhances its nutty flavor and helps it maintain a pleasant texture after cooking.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Peppers
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the chopped roasted red peppers into the mix. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. The broth and cream will meld with the roasted red peppers to create a velvety sauce.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Let everything simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10-12 minutes. The sauce will thicken beautifully, coating each piece of chicken and pasta.
Step 7: Finish and Garnish
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, smoky goodness of this dish.
Make It Diet-Friendly
- Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Swap orzo pasta with whole wheat orzo or a gluten-free alternative for dietary needs.
- Reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon to cut down on calories.
- Incorporate extra veggies like spinach or zucchini for added nutrients and fiber.
Flavor Logic
The Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Orzo works because the flavors complement and balance each other perfectly. The sweetness of the roasted red peppers contrasts with the savory chicken and aromatic garlic and onion. Italian seasoning adds a layer of warmth with herbs like oregano and thyme, which harmonize beautifully with the fresh basil garnish. The cream and chicken broth create a rich base that ties all the ingredients together, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
This dish stores well, making it a great option for meal prep.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Orzo FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and remain juicy during cooking. Just dice them similarly and adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the dish fully vegetarian while maintaining great flavor.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk works well. For a dairy-free alternative, try canned coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute, but be mindful these will alter the flavor slightly.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking together?
Stir the orzo frequently while it simmers and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pan. Toasting the orzo before adding liquids also helps reduce stickiness.
One Pan, More Ideas
- Try the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni for a pasta twist with a similar smoky pepper flavor.
- For a comforting rice dish, check out Chicken And Broccoli Cheddar Rice to keep dinner creamy and cheesy.
- Experiment with swapping orzo for quinoa or couscous for a different texture and added nutrition.
- Add a handful of baby spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of greens.
Time to Try It
There’s nothing quite like the cozy, rich flavors of Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Orzo to make dinner feel special without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is a perfect balance of ease and elegance, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. So gather your ingredients, fire up that stove, and get ready to savor every creamy, flavorful bite. Your taste buds—and your schedule—will thank you!
Share on Pinterest
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Drain and chop the roasted red peppers.
- Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add orzo pasta to the pan and toast, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stir to combine. Add chopped roasted red peppers. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return cooked chicken to the pan. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Swap orzo for whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary needs.
- Reduce olive oil to cut calories or add extra veggies like spinach or zucchini for more nutrients.
