Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a luxurious yet easy dish that combines tender chicken, creamy orzo, and rich flavors. This weeknight hero is sure to impress your family and friends with its gourmet taste.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1-inch thick)
- Orzo pasta
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- Garlic
- Shallots
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh spinach
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and half of your Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Sear for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a cutting board to rest.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the same pan if needed. Add the chopped shallots (or onion) and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, along with the remaining Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the dry orzo pasta directly into the pan with the aromatics. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to lightly toast the orzo. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Uncover the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and half of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook, stirring gently, for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish with Spinach and Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain into ½-inch thick strips or dice them into bite-sized pieces. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring, until it wilts. Return the sliced or diced chicken to the pan and gently toss to combine and warm through.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you have some. Serve immediately and enjoy your incredible Marry Me Chicken Orzo!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Don't overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy. Stir the orzo frequently to prevent sticking, and adjust the sauce's consistency with broth or cream as needed.