Description
This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a comforting family meal. Juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce and paired with tender orzo pasta for a one-pan meal that’s sure to impress. Easy to make yet fancy enough for special occasions, it’s a recipe that lives up to its name!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Orzo:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge them lightly in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Cook the Orzo:
- In a separate pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the orzo and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Add the cooked orzo to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce, or serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of orzo.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Customizations: Add spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus to the sauce for extra vegetables.
- Dietary Options: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired