Orzo alla Vodka with Chicken
This easy orzo alla vodka with chicken recipe is a delicious twist on a classic! It's a one pot meal that's ready in just 30 minutes, family friendly, and feels a little special.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 small onion chopped finely
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/4 cup DeLallo tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 cup uncooked DeLallo orzo
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 handful fresh basil torn
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the oil and butter to a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the vodka and let it bubble for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the tomato paste.
- Add in the chicken broth, cream, and orzo. Increase the heat to high. Give it a good stir to ensure the tomato paste has dissolved. Once it starts to boil, cook for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring fairly often. You will need to turn the heat down at some point to maintain a constant simmer (medium or even medium-low) so it's bubbling but not furiously boiling.
- Stir in the chicken and let it warm through for a minute or so.
- Take the pot off the heat and stir in the parmesan cheese and basil. Cover for 3-5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened up to your liking. Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve immediately.
Notes
- Troubleshooting tip: If the orzo is soaking up the liquid too fast (like before it's cooked), turn the heat down and/or add a splash more broth or cream. If there's too much liquid, cover the pot for longer than suggested in the last step of the recipe and the orzo will absorb it quickly, or continue cooking it on a gentle heat.