Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a luscious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and served in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with tender orzo pasta and baby spinach. This comforting skillet dish is seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, finished with Parmesan cheese, and garnished with fresh basil or parsley, making it the perfect romantic dinner or family-friendly main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pan Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Toast the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it lightly for about 1 minute, coating it in the oils and aromatics in the pan.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Incorporate Cheese and Spinach: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes if using, and baby spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Return Chicken and Reheat: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spoon some sauce over it, and allow everything to simmer together for an additional 2–3 minutes to reheat and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve the dish warm.
Notes
- Add a splash more chicken broth or cream if the orzo becomes too thick during cooking.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a more flavorful, juicier alternative.
- For a heartier meal, add sliced mushrooms when sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
