Marry Me Chicken with Orzo is the perfect blend of creamy, flavorful goodness with tender chicken and orzo pasta. This dish is known for being so irresistibly delicious that it’s said to inspire proposals! Combining a rich, savory sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and perfectly cooked pasta, Marry Me Chicken with Orzo makes for a meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weeknight treat, Marry Me Chicken with Orzo will wow anyone you serve it to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This recipe is simple yet incredibly impressive. The creamy sauce, flavored with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of Parmesan, perfectly complements juicy chicken and tender orzo pasta. It’s a great dish to make when you want something cozy but elegant, and the one-pot approach means less cleanup. Plus, it’s versatile—swap in different herbs or veggies for a personalized twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken breasts: 4 boneless, skinless.
- Orzo pasta: 1 cup.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup, for a rich sauce.
- Chicken broth: 2 cups, for cooking the orzo.
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: ½ cup, chopped.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon.
- Fresh basil: For garnish.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken with Orzo:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear on both sides until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes per side). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: In the same skillet, lower the heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add dried oregano.
- Add the Orzo: Stir in the orzo, then nestle the chicken back into the skillet. Let the orzo simmer in the sauce for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
- Finish with Parmesan: Once the orzo is cooked and the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Cooking Tips:
- Sear the chicken well: A golden crust adds extra flavor to the dish.
- Don’t overcook the orzo: Keep an eye on the pasta while it simmers, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Helpful Tips:
- Add greens: You can stir in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
- Lighter version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Notes:
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier option.
- The sauce thickens as it sits, so serve immediately for the best texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 30g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, small pasta like ditalini or mini shells works well if you don’t have orzo.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
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Conclusion:
Marry Me Chicken with Orzo is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for both special occasions and easy weeknight dinners. The creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken and orzo, creates a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or just treating yourself, this dish will win you over with its delicious simplicity!
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Marry Me Chicken with Orzo
Description
Marry Me Chicken with Orzo is the perfect blend of creamy, flavorful goodness with tender chicken and orzo pasta. This dish is known for being so irresistibly delicious that it’s said to inspire proposals!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 4 boneless, skinless.
- Orzo pasta: 1 cup.
- Heavy cream: 1 cup, for a rich sauce.
- Chicken broth: 2 cups, for cooking the orzo.
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: ½ cup, chopped.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon.
- Fresh basil: For garnish.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear on both sides until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes per side). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: In the same skillet, lower the heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add dried oregano.
- Add the Orzo: Stir in the orzo, then nestle the chicken back into the skillet. Let the orzo simmer in the sauce for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
- Finish with Parmesan: Once the orzo is cooked and the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier option.
- The sauce thickens as it sits, so serve immediately for the best texture.