Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasonings, combined with orzo pasta, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This easy weeknight recipe delivers a comforting American Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Cooking Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Pasta and Creamy Mixture
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry, then season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the hot oil and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Add Orzo and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, ensuring it’s coated with the oil and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir to combine.
- Simmer with Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the pan. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 12–15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and baby spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts into the creamy mixture.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the pan from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh basil before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- This dish pairs excellently with a light side salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
