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Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe

5 from 97 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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