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Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 103 reviews

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach with delicate orzo pasta in a savory parmesan sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a delightful Italian-inspired dish that is both comforting and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (can use thighs or tenders)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Base

  • 2 Tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar
  • ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil drained and reserved (can chop if large)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Orzo and Sauce

  • 2 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (measured uncooked)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups packed baby spinach
  • ½ cup freshly grated or shredded parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss 1.5 pounds of bite-sized chicken breast pieces with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder until evenly coated.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned but not fully cooked through.
  3. Add spices and garlic: Stir in ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Cook the orzo: Pour in 2 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth and add 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10-13 minutes until the orzo is tender, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking.
  5. Finish with cream and greens: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream, 2 cups packed baby spinach, and ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese. Allow the spinach to wilt slightly while mixing thoroughly.
  6. Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese, and serve hot for a hearty and creamy meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs or tenders instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
  • Make sure to stir the orzo occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the skillet.
  • If sun-dried tomatoes are large, chop them before adding to the skillet for better distribution.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and texture.

Keywords: marry me chicken, creamy chicken orzo, one pan chicken recipes, sun-dried tomato chicken, quick dinner, Italian chicken recipe

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