Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe

BySoha

Few recipes truly live up to their name,but Marry Me Chicken Orzo is one of them. Creamy, comforting, and irresistibly flavorful, this dish blends tender chicken with perfectly cooked orzo pasta in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce. It’s elegant enough for a romantic dinner yet simple enough for a cozy family meal.

This is the kind of recipe that doesn’t just fill the stomach,it leaves a lasting impression.

chicken orzo recipe

Ingredients List

  • 2 large chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the chicken until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and oregano, stirring for about 1 minute.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

Add orzo directly into the sauce. Stir well and let it cook until tender, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finish with Chicken

Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the creamy orzo. Let everything simmer together for 3–5 minutes to absorb the flavors. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Cook Time

30 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 530
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream in a skillet over medium heat to revive the sauce’s silky texture.

Suggestions

  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • Add baby spinach or kale for a pop of color and nutrition.
  • Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish beautifully.

Seasonal Relevance

This recipe shines year-round. In cooler months, it’s the perfect cozy comfort dish, while in spring and summer, its vibrant flavors and light pasta base make it elegant yet satisfying without being too heavy.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is more than just a meal,it’s an experience. Each forkful delivers creamy, savory goodness balanced with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and the heartiness of chicken and orzo. Whether you’re impressing guests, planning a romantic dinner, or treating yourself, this dish promises to win hearts at the table.

Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Pin
Print

Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe

Recipe by Soha
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

530

kcal
Total time

30

minutes

A creamy, savory, and utterly irresistible dish, Marry Me Chicken Orzo combines tender chicken with velvety orzo pasta in a sun-dried tomato Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for romantic dinners or cozy family meals, this recipe is elegant, comforting, and guaranteed to win hearts.

Ingredients

  • 2 large chicken breasts, halved lengthwise

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions

  • Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and oregano.
  • Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then add Parmesan. Simmer until slightly thickened.
  • Add orzo into the sauce. Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
  • Return chicken to the pan, simmer for 3–5 minutes, then garnish with basil before serving.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of cream.
  • Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
  • Best paired with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully here, adding extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Q2: Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the orzo with a gluten-free small pasta or even rice. Just adjust liquid ratios and cooking time accordingly.

Q3: Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Orzo?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop with added broth or cream.

Similar Posts