Description
Classic Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavor packed easy dinner that turns simple ingredients into pure comfort food. Tender chicken, rich Parmesan sauce, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, and soft orzo come together in one skillet for a quick breakfast-for-dinner option, easy dinner, cozy family meal, and one of those food ideas you will want to keep on repeat. It is an easy recipe loaded with dinner ideas energy, weeknight convenience, and creamy chicken pasta flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
1 cup dry orzo
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and mostly cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic and sun dried tomatoes for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the dry orzo and cook for 1 minute to lightly toast it.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Cook the orzo for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Add the Parmesan cheese and baby spinach, then stir until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Stir the orzo often while it cooks so it does not stick to the bottom of the skillet.
Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating leftovers to bring back the creamy texture.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and gives the sauce the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: classic marry me chicken orzo, easy dinner, one skillet dinner, chicken orzo recipe, creamy chicken orzo, dinner ideas, easy recipe, food ideas