Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Introduction
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast, delicious, and impressive.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the sliced chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, then set aside.
- Step 2: Add the orzo to the same skillet and toast briefly, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, stir, and bring to a simmer. Cook the orzo for 8–10 minutes until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring gently, until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and heat through.
- Step 6: Garnish with fresh basil before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when toasting the orzo for a subtle heat.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level in the dish.
- Consider adding spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added greens.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the dish seems dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of the ones packed in oil?
Yes, but be sure to soak dried sun-dried tomatoes in warm water for 10 minutes to soften before chopping and adding to the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative, and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
PrintMarry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts, toasted orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, all simmered together in a rich sauce and garnished with fresh basil. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with deliciously vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Toast the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast it briefly for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until it is lightly golden and fragrant.
- Simmer the Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the orzo has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the orzo evenly.
- Combine and Garnish: Return the seared chicken slices to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo mixture. Warm everything together for an additional 2 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be soaked in hot water if they are dry-packed to soften before chopping.
- Feel free to add garlic or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Orzo, Creamy Chicken Pasta, One-Pan Dinner, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Parmesan Cheese
