Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection alongside tender orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs. This comforting American main course is perfect for an easy yet elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Sauce and Pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using to build depth in flavor.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the pasta in the butter and aromatics.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is rich and creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Orzo: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo mixture. Spoon some of the orzo over the chicken and allow everything to warm together for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving your delicious Marry Me Chicken Orzo.
Notes
- For an even deeper flavor, consider searing the chicken in oil from the sun-dried tomatoes.
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for breasts if preferred.
- This dish reheats well; add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to retain creaminess.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten the dish and add an aromatic finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with orzo
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
