Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan dish combining tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese with perfectly cooked orzo pasta in a flavorful basil-garlic infused sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that will impress with its rich taste and vibrant colors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- Heat oil and sauté aromatics: 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 about 1 minute until fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add liquids and orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and add the orzo. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer until orzo is tender: Lower the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cook uncovered for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the sauce has slightly thickened. Add more broth if the mixture looks too dry.
- Incorporate chicken, spinach, and cheese: Stir in the chopped cooked chicken, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue simmering for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the dish is heated through with a creamy consistency.
- Season and rest: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Remove from heat and let it rest for 2 minutes to enhance the flavors and thicken slightly. Serve topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to speed up the preparation.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are not available in oil, rehydrate dry ones and add a tablespoon of olive oil when cooking garlic.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce will be less thick.
- Add more spinach or substitute with kale for extra greens.
- Stir frequently during cooking to avoid orzo sticking to the pan.
