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Marry Me Chicken Orzo One Pot

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, One Pot Meal, Creamy Chicken Orzo, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Weeknight Recipe, Family Friendly, Chicken Dinner