Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo pasta simmered in a rich garlic-parmesan sauce with fresh spinach and basil. This easy-to-make meal combines savory spices and creamy textures for a comforting and elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce & Pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to build a flavorful base.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through on the outside. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance the sauce’s depth.
- Create the sauce: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add orzo and herbs: Mix in the orzo pasta along with dried oregano, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Finish cooking chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring they are cooked through.
- Incorporate cheese and spinach: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt gently into the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh basil and additional Parmesan for a fresh, flavorful finish. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting one-pot meal.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are too intense, substitute with cherry tomatoes for a milder sweetness.
- Use low-fat cream or half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier meat; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Make sure to use a large enough skillet or pan to accommodate all ingredients without overcrowding.
