Hey foodies! If you’re looking for a quick, tasty, and satisfying dish, I’ve got just the thing for you – Cheesy Tomato Chicken & Chorizo Orzo! This one-pot wonder combines the savory flavors of chicken, spicy chorizo, and gooey cheese in a creamy, tomato-based sauce. It’s not only delicious, but it also makes for an amazing meal prep dish because it tastes just as good cold! Perfect for those busy weekdays when you need something comforting and easy to make. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Method
1. Fry the Chorizo & Onion
Start by heating a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chorizo, and sauté them until the onion softens and turns translucent. The chorizo will begin to release its flavorful oils during this process. This step not only flavors the oil but also helps the onion caramelize slightly, adding depth to the overall dish.
2. Cook the Chicken
Once the onion and chorizo have softened, it’s time to add the diced chicken breast to the pan. Sprinkle the chicken with the Italian herbs, giving it a nice coating of flavor. Stir the mixture to ensure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pan. Cook the chicken thoroughly, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink in the center. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Prepare the Orzo
While the chicken is cooking, bring a separate saucepan of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor, then cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Typically, orzo takes about 8-10 minutes to cook until tender. Once cooked, drain the orzo, but save a little bit of the pasta water. This will help you adjust the consistency of the sauce later.
4. Add Flavor
Once the chicken is cooked through, add the minced garlic and tomato purée to the pan with the chicken and chorizo. Let it cook for about a minute to release the flavors, stirring frequently. Then, pour in the passata (tomato sauce) and the crème fraîche. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well combined, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken and chorizo.
5. Combine Everything
With the orzo now ready, add it to the pan with the chicken, chorizo, and tomato sauce mixture. Pour in a little bit of the saved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help the orzo soak up all the rich, creamy flavors. Add the handful of spinach next and stir it in until the spinach wilts into the sauce. This step ensures the spinach maintains its vibrant green color and adds an extra layer of nutrients.
6. Melt the Cheese
Now it’s time to make this dish extra cheesy! Sprinkle the mozzarella into the pan, stirring gently until it melts into the sauce. Once the mozzarella is fully incorporated, sprinkle the 50% fat cheddar on top. Continue stirring until the cheddar melts completely, giving the dish a luscious, gooey, and comforting texture.
7. Garnish
For a touch of crunch and extra flavor, you can top the dish with some breadcrumbs. If you’re using breadcrumbs, place them under the grill for a few minutes to get them golden and crispy. Be sure to watch them closely, as they can burn quickly. Once golden and crunchy, sprinkle them over the orzo for a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce.
8. Serve
Finally, garnish the dish with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve it hot, and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness of this Cheesy Tomato Chicken & Chorizo Orzo!
Necessary Tools
- 1 large frying pan
- 1 saucepan (for boiling the orzo)
- A spatula or wooden spoon
- A sharp knife for chopping the onion and chicken
- Measuring spoons and cups
- A grater for cheese (if you’re not using pre-grated cheese)
- A bowl for breadcrumbs (optional)
Cheesy Tomato Chicken and Chorizo Orzo A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Meal
Cuisine: Spanish, ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes25
minutes35
minutesIngredients
350g orzo
375g diced chicken breast
1 onion
100g chorizo
1 tsp garlic
1 tbsp Italian herbs
1 tbsp tomato purée
400g passata
100ml light crème fraîche
Handful of spinach
30g 50% fat cheddar
30g mozzarella
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Fry the Chorizo & Onion Start by heating your frying pan and adding the onion and chorizo. Fry them until the onion softens and the chorizo releases its delicious oils.
- Cook the Chicken Add your diced chicken breast into the pan and sprinkle in the Italian herbs. Stir everything together until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Orzo While the chicken is cooking, bring a saucepan of water to a boil and cook the orzo according to the package instructions.
- Add Flavor Stir in the garlic and tomato purée, cooking for another minute before adding the passata and crème fraîche. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Combine Everything Once the orzo is ready, drain it and add it to the pan with the chicken, chorizo, and sauce. Pour in a bit of the pasta water to help bring everything together. Add the spinach and stir it until it wilts.
- Melt the Cheese Sprinkle in the mozzarella and stir until melted. Top with the 50% fat cheddar for that extra cheesy goodness.
- Garnish If you like a little crunch, top with some breadcrumbs. (I love how @dinnerathols does it – but be warned, those golden breadcrumbs from the tub don’t quite give the same effect, but it’s still tasty!)
- Serve Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that beautiful pop of color and extra flavor!
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Orzo Be sure to follow the package instructions for the orzo so that it doesn’t get too soft. The orzo should retain a slight bite to balance the creamy sauce.
- Monitor the Heat When adding the crème fraîche and passata, keep the heat on low to avoid burning the sauce while still getting it nice and hot.
- Spinach Tip Add the spinach towards the end of the cooking process so it doesn’t overcook and turn mushy. You want it to stay bright green and tender.
- Breadcrumbs Crunch If you’re using breadcrumbs for topping, watch them closely under the grill to avoid burning. A quick golden crunch is all you need!
Serving Suggestions
This dish is fantastic on its own, but you could also pair it with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal. If you’re meal prepping, store it in airtight containers and enjoy it throughout the week. It’s just as delicious reheated, making it perfect for busy workdays or school lunches!
Fun Fact
Did you know that orzo is technically not rice? It’s a pasta! Its rice-like shape makes it the perfect substitute for rice in many dishes, adding a twist while still maintaining a familiar texture.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Tomato Chicken & Chorizo Orzo is a meal everyone will love – rich, creamy, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping it for the week ahead, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, with that perfect balance of protein, carbs, and a bit of indulgent cheese, it’s the kind of meal that satisfies without being overly heavy. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
