Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful skillet dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, combined with tender orzo pasta. This one-pan meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for a comforting 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 and 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 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Once seared, remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet with residual oil, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Liquids: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta along with dried oregano, thyme, and Italian seasoning to the simmering sauce. Stir well and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the orzo and sauce. Cover the skillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Add Cheese and Spinach: Stir grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh spinach into the skillet. Allow the spinach to wilt slightly into the creamy mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving warm.
- Enjoy: Plate the dish and enjoy your creamy, savory Marry Me Chicken Orzo meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can add extra flavor but adjust olive oil accordingly.
- The red pepper flakes are optional for a mild kick; omit if you prefer no heat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
