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Marry Me Chicken Orzo

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Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken breasts, tender orzo pasta, and a rich sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. This dish is so irresistible, it might just lead to a proposal—or at least requests for seconds! Perfect for a romantic dinner or a comforting family meal.

 

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (drained if packed in oil)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season and cook the chicken:
    Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics:
    In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
  3. Prepare the sauce:
    Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cook the orzo:
    Stir the orzo into the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the sauce. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. Combine and finish:
    Stir in the Parmesan cheese and dried basil. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo. Let everything cook for 2-3 more minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Serve:
    Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
  • Feel free to add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of chicken broth or water.

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Orzo, creamy chicken orzo, sun-dried tomato chicken, orzo pasta recipe, one-pan chicken dinner, chicken skillet recipe, creamy pasta dish, comfort food recipe, quick weeknight meal, chicken orzo dinner.

Find it online: https://masonrecipes.com/marry-me-chicken-orzo/