Description
This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory blend of sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and creamy sauce, served over perfectly cooked orzo pasta with fresh spinach and basil garnish. It’s a comforting and elegant meal that comes together quickly and easily in one skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to infuse flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt to build the foundation for the sauce.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to start melding the flavors.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta, dried oregano, dried thyme, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is cooked through and juicy.
- Incorporate Cheese and Spinach: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt into the creamy sauce, enhancing texture and freshness.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with the chopped fresh basil and extra grated Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal.
- Enjoy: Serve the creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo warm for a satisfying and comforting one-pot meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, keep or increase the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Use chicken broth with low sodium to better control the salt level in the dish.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby kale or Swiss chard as desired.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- This dish can be served with a side of garlic bread or a light salad for a fuller meal.
