Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Introduction
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and delicate orzo pasta. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.
Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and oil reserved)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
- 1 cup orzo
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken (rotisserie or other)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (gently packed)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus additional for serving)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil reserved from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and dried basil, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the orzo, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to a low boil and cook uncovered for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Add more broth if needed to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Step 4: Stir in the chopped chicken, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
- Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut, or swap with cooked turkey for a different twist.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during Step 1 if you prefer a little heat.
- Swap fresh spinach with kale or arugula for a different leafy green flavor.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Orzo?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Reheat slowly and add extra liquid to restore creaminess after thawing.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly since different pastas vary in cooking time.
PrintMarry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting skillet dish featuring tender chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and tender orzo pasta, all simmered together in a savory garlic basil-infused sauce. This one-pan meal is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sun-Dried Tomato Mixture
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained, and oil reserved)
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil (reserved)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil
Orzo and Sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
Chicken and Greens
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken (rotisserie or other)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (gently packed)
Finishing
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus additional for serving)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat 1 tablespoon of the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and dried basil, cooking for 1 minute or until fragrant to build a flavorful base.
- Combine main ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, orzo pasta, heavy whipping cream, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook orzo: Reduce heat to maintain a low boil. Cook uncovered for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has slightly thickened. Add more broth if necessary to achieve desired consistency.
- Add chicken and spinach: Stir in the cooked chopped chicken, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens further and ingredients are heated through.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2 minutes before serving. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or any cooked chicken you prefer.
- If you like a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth while cooking.
- Fresh spinach wilts quickly; do not overcook to maintain its vibrant color and texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and Parmesan with suitable alternatives.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Orzo recipe, Creamy chicken pasta, Sun-dried tomato chicken, One-pan chicken dinner
