Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pan skillet dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts nestled in a rich orzo pasta cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This comforting American main course combines the perfect balance of savory herbs and a hint of spice, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Orzo and Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Toast Orzo: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the orzo pasta and toast for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes if using, and Italian seasoning to the orzo mixture, combining well to distribute the flavors.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to blend smoothly.
- Return Chicken and Cook Through: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet on top of the orzo. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over low heat for 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, and serve hot for a rich and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking to add creaminess and nutrition.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
