Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta Recipe

This Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta is an easy, quick, and incredibly flavorful dish. The blend of sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and parmesan cheese, combined with tender chicken and orzo pasta, creates a wonderful medley of textures and flavors. It's a perfect recipe for those looking for a satisfying and delicious meal that's ready in under 30 minutes.

Photos of Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in a home pantry or at local supermarkets. However, sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil with herbs might be slightly more unique. They are usually found in the preserved produce section or the pasta aisle. These tomatoes provide a rich, concentrated flavor that greatly enhances the taste of the dish. If you can't find them, you can substitute with regular sun-dried tomatoes and some Italian seasoning.

Ingredients Required for Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta

Chicken breasts: Lean protein that is perfect for shredding and adds a savory taste.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and garlic, it adds a rich flavor.

Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing the flavor of other ingredients.

Garlic: Provides a fragrant and distinct flavor.

Orzo pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that is great for absorbing flavors.

Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds flavor and is used to cook the orzo pasta.

Sun dried tomato halves packed in oil with herbs: They have a concentrated, robust flavor that adds a depth to the pasta.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a creamy, salty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.

Fresh basil: Gives a fresh, aromatic finishing touch to the pasta.

One reader, Chelsae Grayson says:

This sun-dried tomato orzo pasta recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and satisfying. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and parmesan cheese creates a burst of deliciousness in every bite. It's easy to make and always impresses my guests. A definite must-try!

Chelsae Grayson

Techniques Required for Making Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta

How to cook chicken breasts: Cook the chicken breasts in a saute pan over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes on each side.

How to cook orzo pasta: Boil the orzo pasta in low-sodium chicken broth until tender, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

How to melt parmesan cheese: Add the parmesan cheese to the cooked orzo and stir until melted, creating a creamy texture.

How to toss in sun-dried tomatoes and basil: Gently fold in the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil into the orzo and chicken mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

How to adjust consistency: Add more chicken broth to the dish if a thinner consistency is desired, stirring until the desired texture is achieved.

How To Make Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta

This light orzo pasta dish is made delicious by the strong sour taste of sun-dried tomatoes and made creamy with Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for dieting.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbchicken breasts,boneless skinless, diced into ¾-inch pieces
1tbspolive oil,plus 1 tsp additional
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2clovesgarlic,minced
8ozdry orzo pasta
2¾cupslow-sodium chicken broth
⅓cupsun dried tomato halves packed in oil with herbs
¾cupfinely shredded parmesan cheese,to taste
⅓cupfresh basil,chopped

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat.
Once shimmering add chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden, about 3 minutes then rotate to opposite sides and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes.
Transfer chicken to a plate, cover with foil to keep warm.
Add remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil to saute pan then add garlic and saute 20 seconds, or just until lightly golden, then pour in chicken broth while scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Bring broth to a boil then add orzo pasta, reduce heat to medium cover pan with the lid and allow to gently boil 5 minutes then uncover, stir and continue to boil uncovered until orzo is tender, about 5 minutes longer, stirring occasionally.
Once the pasta has cooked through toss the chicken in with orzo then remove it from the heat.
Add in parmesan cheese and stir until melted, then toss in sun-dried tomatoes, basil and season with pepper.
Add more broth to thin if desired. Serve warm.

Recipe Notes

As the pasta rests it will soak up excess liquid and I liked it with a little excess so I added a little more.

Nutrition

Calories: 578.74kcal
Fat: 23.00g
Saturated Fat: 8.53g
Trans Fat: 0.12g
Monounsaturated Fat: 9.45g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.30g
Carbohydrates: 46.98g
Fiber: 2.32g
Sugar: 2.31g
Protein: 44.69g
Cholesterol: 91.53mg
Sodium: 891.63mg
Calcium: 373.96mg
Potassium: 600.16mg
Iron: 2.41mg
Vitamin A: 95.74µg
Vitamin C: 2.53mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta

When cooking the orzo pasta, it's important to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Also, adding the parmesan cheese while the pasta is still hot will ensure it melts evenly, giving your dish a creamy texture. For the sun-dried tomatoes, you can chop them into smaller pieces if you prefer a more subtle flavor. Lastly, fresh basil is always a better choice for garnishing as it provides a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the other ingredients.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Orzo Pasta Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate meat the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

One-pot wonders: Opt for one-pot recipes to minimize cleanup and save time on cooking and dishwashing.

Batch cooking: Cook large batches of grains, proteins, and sauces to use in multiple meals throughout the week.

Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, slow cookers, and instant pots to streamline cooking processes.

Follow the recipe: Read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure you have all the ingredients and understand the steps, preventing any last-minute confusion.

Prep stations: Set up designated prep stations for chopping, mixing, and assembling ingredients to work more efficiently in the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta Recipe

Sun-dried tomato halves packed in oil with herbs - Substitute with rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes: Rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes can be used as a substitute for sun-dried tomato halves packed in oil with herbs. Simply soak the sun-dried tomatoes in warm water for about 20-30 minutes until they become plump and tender. They will provide a similar concentrated tomato flavor to the dish.
Orzo pasta - Substitute with risotto rice: Risotto rice, such as Arborio or Carnaroli, can be used as a substitute for orzo pasta in this recipe. The rice will absorb the flavors of the dish and provide a creamy texture, similar to orzo pasta.
Low-sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for low-sodium chicken broth. It will still provide a flavorful base for the dish while catering to a vegetarian diet or preference.
Parmesan cheese - Substitute with Pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese can be used as a substitute for Parmesan cheese. It has a similar salty and tangy flavor profile, which will complement the dish well.
Fresh basil - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley can be used as a substitute for fresh basil. It will provide a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish while adding a vibrant green color.

Best Way to Present Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta

Elevate the plating: When presenting the sun-dried tomato orzo pasta, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use a large, flat plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. Arrange the orzo and chicken in an artful manner, ensuring each component is visible and inviting.
Garnish with fresh basil: Add a pop of color and a burst of freshness to the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped basil. Sprinkle it over the top of the orzo pasta and chicken to provide a visually striking contrast and a delightful aroma.
Incorporate Parmesan shavings: Enhance the visual appeal of the dish by incorporating delicate shavings of Parmesan cheese. Use a vegetable peeler to create thin, elegant curls of Parmesan and artfully scatter them over the orzo pasta and chicken.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to draw attention to the star ingredients. Allow the white space on the plate to frame the dish, creating a sense of balance and sophistication.
Emphasize the sun-dried tomatoes: Highlight the vibrant, rich hues of the sun-dried tomatoes by strategically placing them on top of the orzo pasta and chicken. Their intense color will add visual interest to the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Orzo Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Saute pan: A saute pan is a wide, flat-bottomed pan with relatively tall sides, perfect for sauteing, searing, and frying ingredients.
Tongs: Tongs are essential for flipping and turning food items, such as chicken breasts, in the saute pan without damaging them.
Plate: A plate is used for holding and covering the cooked chicken to keep it warm before serving.
Foil: Foil is used to cover the plate and keep the cooked chicken warm.
Spatula: A spatula is useful for scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the saute pan while making the sauce.
Lid: The lid is used to cover the saute pan while cooking the orzo pasta, helping to trap steam and cook the pasta evenly.
Grater: A grater is used to finely shred the parmesan cheese for the orzo pasta dish.
Knife: A knife is used for mincing the garlic and for any other necessary cutting tasks during the cooking process.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and mincing ingredients like garlic.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to accurately measure the chicken broth needed for the recipe.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is used for stirring the orzo pasta and sauce while cooking.
Cheese grater: A cheese grater is used to finely shred the parmesan cheese for the orzo pasta dish.
Strainer: A strainer may be used to drain the sun-dried tomatoes from the oil before adding them to the orzo pasta dish.
Pepper mill: A pepper mill is used to freshly grind black pepper to season the dish.

How To Store and Freeze Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta

To store leftover sun-dried tomato orzo pasta, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the pasta and prevent it from drying out. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
To freeze, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label and date the containers before placing them in the freezer.
Frozen sun-dried tomato orzo pasta can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator overnight or defrost it in the microwave.
When reheating frozen pasta, add a bit of chicken broth or water to help reconstitute the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
If you plan to freeze the pasta, consider slightly undercooking the orzo to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated. This will help maintain a better texture after thawing and reheating.

How To Reheat Leftover Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta

Stovetop method: place the leftover sun-dried tomato orzo pasta in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help rehydrate the pasta and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until the pasta is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. If the pasta seems too dry, add more liquid as needed.
Microwave method: transfer the leftover pasta to a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the dish, then cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is heated through. If the pasta seems too dry, add more liquid as needed.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover pasta to an oven-safe dish and add a splash of chicken broth or water. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to allow any excess liquid to evaporate and the top to crisp up slightly.
Regardless of the reheating method, consider adding a fresh squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, or some chopped fresh basil to brighten up the flavors and add a fresh touch to the reheated dish.
If the leftover pasta has dried out significantly, consider transforming it into a new dish by adding it to a frittata, soup, or salad. This can help revive the texture and make the most of your leftovers.

Random Fact About Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta

The sun-dried tomato orzo pasta recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It combines the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and basil with tender orzo pasta and juicy chicken. This recipe is a great way to incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, which are a good source of vitamins and minerals, into your diet. Sun-dried tomatoes are also rich in antioxidants and add a burst of flavor to any dish. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal with your family and friends!

Is Making Orzo Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Economical for Home Cooking?

This sun-dried tomato orzo pasta recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as chicken, orzo pasta, and sun-dried tomatoes, are reasonably priced and readily available. The addition of parmesan cheese and fresh basil may slightly increase the cost, but they add great flavor. Overall, this recipe is a budget-friendly option for a family meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious taste. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it a reasonable choice for a satisfying meal.

Is This Orzo Pasta Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

The sun-dried tomato orzo pasta recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:

The recipe uses chicken breasts, which are a lean protein source, but the cooking method (frying in olive oil) adds extra fat and calories.
Orzo pasta is a refined carbohydrate, which can cause blood sugar spikes and provide fewer nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
The recipe calls for a significant amount of Parmesan cheese, which is high in saturated fat and sodium.
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can add extra calories and fat to the dish.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Grill or bake the chicken instead of frying it to reduce the amount of added fat.
Use whole grain orzo or replace it with a more nutrient-dense option like quinoa or brown rice.
Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese used or opt for a lower-fat alternative like part-skim mozzarella.
Choose sun-dried tomatoes that are not packed in oil, or drain and rinse them before adding to the dish.
Increase the amount of fresh basil to add more flavor and nutrients without adding extra calories.
Consider adding more vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini, to increase the fiber and nutrient content.

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious meal that still retains the delicious flavors of the original recipe.

Editor's Thoughts on This Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta Dish

This sun-dried tomato orzo pasta recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The chicken is perfectly cooked and adds a savory element to the dish, while the sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich, sweet-tart flavor. The orzo pasta is cooked to perfection and absorbs the delicious broth, and the addition of parmesan cheese and fresh basil elevates the dish to a whole new level. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful balance of ingredients and is sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Enhance Your Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for soaking up the delicious flavors of the sun-dried tomato orzo pasta.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and finished with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, a refreshing and vibrant side to accompany the sun-dried tomato orzo pasta.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with honey, adding a touch of natural sweetness to balance out the savory flavors of the sun-dried tomato orzo pasta.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta

Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad: This salad is a perfect way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. It's packed with grilled vegetables and protein-rich quinoa, making it a satisfying dish for any occasion.

Balsamic Glazed Salmon: This recipe features succulent salmon fillets coated in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. It's a simple yet elegant dish that's perfect for a special dinner at home.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Indulge in a delicious and nutritious dessert with this mango coconut chia pudding. It's a refreshing treat that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while still being healthy.

Suggested Appetizers and Desserts to Serve with Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and bubbly for a delicious start to any meal.

Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil: Elevate a classic appetizer by topping toasted baguette slices with a vibrant mixture of fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a burst of sweet and tangy flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the luscious combination of creamy cheesecake filling and sweet, juicy strawberries atop a buttery graham cracker crust, finished with a glossy glaze for a delightful and refreshing treat.

Why trust this Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any pasta lover. The succulent chicken breasts are perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, while the sun-dried tomato halves add a rich and tangy depth to the dish. The orzo pasta is cooked to al dente perfection in a savory chicken broth, infusing it with delicious flavor. The addition of fresh basil and finely shredded parmesan cheese elevates the dish, providing a burst of freshness and creaminess. Trust in this recipe for a delightful and satisfying meal experience.

If you tried this Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo Pasta Recipe, we'd love to hear how it turned out! Share your experience, tips, and any tweaks you made in the Recipe Sharing forum.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of pasta if you prefer. Orzo works well in this recipe, but you could also try it with penne, fusilli, or any other pasta shape you like.

Can I use something other than chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use shrimp, tofu, or even just keep it vegetarian with extra veggies. The sun-dried tomato and orzo combination pairs well with a variety of proteins or can be enjoyed on its own.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to keep it from drying out.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Store them in an airtight container and they should keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I substitute the sun-dried tomatoes with fresh tomatoes?

While you can substitute fresh tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes, it will change the flavor profile of the dish. Sun-dried tomatoes have a more intense and concentrated flavor, so if you do use fresh tomatoes, you may want to add some additional herbs or seasonings to enhance the flavor.