Description
One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered with orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a flavorful chicken broth. This easy-to-make skillet meal comes together quickly and is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
Liquids and Cheese
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Oil and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and dried oregano to infuse flavor before cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to retain juices.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, around 3 minutes, scraping the bottom to incorporate browned bits for flavor.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Orzo: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and orzo pasta, coating the orzo in the oil and toasting it slightly for added depth.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow the orzo to cook.
- Cook Chicken and Orzo Together: Return the seared chicken breasts to the pot, cover it, and cook for 15 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the orzo is tender.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and warmed through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season the dish with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes according to preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley over the top for a fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier result.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them before chopping to avoid excess oiliness.
- Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a creamy non-dairy alternative.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
