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Orzo alla Vodka with Chicken Recipe

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  • Author: Stacy Corbo
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Orzo alla Vodka with Chicken is a creamy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Tender orzo pasta, juicy chicken, and a rich tomato-vodka sauce come together in this easy one-pot recipe.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded or cubed
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 handful fresh basil, torn
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil and butter in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add Vodka and Tomato Paste: Pour in vodka and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste.
  • Cook Orzo: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and orzo. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until orzo is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  • Add Chicken and Cheese: Stir in cooked chicken and simmer for 1 minute to heat through. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and basil.
  • Thicken and Serve: Cover the pot for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • 10 minutesConsistency: Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more broth or cream if it becomes too thick, or simmering longer if it’s too thin.
  • Make Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated. Cook the orzo and add the chicken just before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg