Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo. The sauce, made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of heavy cream, coats every bite with indulgence. The orzo soaks up all the flavors, creating a comforting one-pan meal. Whether you’re making this for a special dinner or a cozy night in, it’s sure to impress. The balance of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors makes this dish unforgettable. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. If you’re looking for a new favorite chicken recipe, this one is a must-try!
What Makes This Dish Special?
This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a perfect balance of creamy and savory flavors with a hint of tanginess from the sun-dried tomatoes. The orzo absorbs all the rich sauce, making every bite full of comforting goodness. It’s a quick and easy dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or just treating yourself, this dish is packed with flavor and elegance.
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In the same pan, add butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
3. Cook the Orzo
Add the orzo to the skillet, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce.
4. Finish the Dish
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Return the chicken to the pan, letting it warm through. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Variations:
- Add Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.
- Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine for more depth.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes for added heat.
Equipment You’ll Need:
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: ~500 per serving
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 22g
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream-based sauce may separate.
- Make Ahead: Cook the chicken in advance and prepare the sauce when ready to serve.
My Cooking Experience:
I’ve made this dish multiple times, and it never fails to impress. The key to achieving the perfect sauce is letting the sun-dried tomatoes infuse their flavor into the cream. I also recommend stirring the orzo occasionally to ensure even cooking. This dish is a wonderful balance of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, making it an instant favorite for any occasion.
Conclusion:
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful, and elegant dish that is easy to make yet tastes restaurant-quality. The tender chicken, rich Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo create a meal that is comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just need a delicious weeknight dinner, this dish is a must-try. Give it a go, and it might just become your new favorite recipe!
Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add the orzo to the skillet, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the sauce.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Return the chicken to the pan, letting it warm through. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream-based sauce may separate.
- Make Ahead: Cook the chicken in advance and prepare the sauce when ready to serve.
