Marry Me Chicken Orzo One Pot
Marry Me Chicken Orzo One Pot is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner combining tender chicken breasts, velvety sauce, and comforting orzo pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal cleanup, offering versatility for dietary preferences and quick preparation in about 30 minutes.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free orzo)
Protein and Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Dairy and Liquids
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed recommended), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed, then sauté garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent, setting the flavor base.
- Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo to the pot and stir for a couple of minutes, allowing it to toast slightly for a nuttier flavor and to prevent clumping.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add sun-dried tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return Chicken to Pot: Place the chicken breasts back into the pot, cover with a lid, and simmer gently, allowing the orzo to cook and the chicken to finish cooking through, about 15 minutes.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Once the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over everything. Stir gently to melt and incorporate, then add fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken breasts for extra flavor; increase cooking time accordingly.
- Do not overcook the orzo; it should be tender but slightly firm to avoid mushiness.
- Prefer oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor and easier mixing.
- Stir gently when adding Parmesan to maintain the creamy texture.
- Add fresh herbs last to preserve their brightness and aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, One Pot Meal, Creamy Chicken Orzo, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Weeknight Recipe, Family Friendly, Chicken Dinner