Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and garlic, combined with tender orzo pasta in a rich parmesan and basil sauce. This recipe offers a harmonious blend of vibrant Mediterranean flavors perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Flavorings and Add-ins
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
Pasta and Liquid Ingredients
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half (more if needed)
Finishing Touches
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper over the chicken pieces and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning, and 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes to release and blend the flavors.
- Simmer with orzo: Add 1 cup dry orzo pasta and 2½ cups chicken broth to the skillet. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Add creaminess: Pour in 1 cup half-and-half and stir well to combine. The orzo will absorb the liquid quickly; add more half-and-half if you prefer a creamier consistency.
- Finish with cheese and basil: Stir in 1 cup grated parmesan cheese and ½ cup chopped fresh basil. Mix until the cheese melts and the basil wilts slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately: Plate the dish hot, garnished with extra basil or parmesan if desired, for a deliciously creamy and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use chicken breast or thigh pieces based on preference; thighs will be juicier.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can be used as well, just drain them thoroughly.
- For a richer dish, substitute half-and-half with heavy cream.
- If you want a lower-fat option, use light cream or milk instead of half-and-half.
- If you don’t have orzo, substitute with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste toward the end of cooking for best flavor balance.
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, creamy chicken and orzo, one-pan chicken dinner, Italian chicken recipe, sun-dried tomato chicken
Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/marry-me-chicken-orzo-recipe/
