Marry Me Chicken Orzo (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main
01 -
250g orzo pasta
02 -
650g chicken breast, no skin or bones, diced (makes about 4 pieces)
→ Aromatics & Vegetables
03 -
3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
04 -
120g fresh spinach leaves
05 -
170g jarred sun-dried tomatoes, drained of oil
→ Liquids & Seasonings
06 -
1 tsp oregano
07 -
2 tsp paprika
08 -
150ml heavy cream
09 -
1 tbsp olive oil (or drained oil from the sun-dried tomatoes)
10 -
50g Parmesan, finely grated
11 -
Fresh black pepper to taste
12 -
650ml hot chicken broth
# Instructions:
01 -
Add oil to a large, deep pan or skillet and place over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides. The chicken doesn't need to be completely cooked through at this stage.
02 -
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the crushed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and oregano to the pan with the chicken. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic softens and becomes fragrant. This step helps bloom the spices and release the flavors of the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
03 -
Add the orzo pasta, fresh black pepper to taste, and hot chicken broth to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients and ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom. Cover the pan with a lid and allow to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the orzo from sticking. The orzo will gradually absorb the flavorful broth and become tender.
04 -
Once the orzo is almost tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add the fresh spinach leaves and heavy cream to the pan. Stir gently for 1-3 minutes until the spinach wilts into the mixture and the cream is warmed through. Make sure the chicken is completely cooked through with no pink remaining.
05 -
Turn off the heat and add the finely grated Parmesan cheese to the pan. Stir until the cheese melts and incorporates into the creamy sauce, creating a smooth, cohesive dish. The residual heat will melt the cheese without risk of the sauce breaking.
06 -
Let the dish stand for a minute to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh black pepper or Parmesan if desired.
# Notes:
01 -
Boneless chicken thighs can be substituted for breast meat, with a slightly longer cooking time.
02 -
If the orzo absorbs all the liquid before becoming tender, add more hot broth in small increments.
03 -
This one-pan meal minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor as all ingredients cook together.