Description
This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Prepared all in one pot for minimal cleanup, this comforting meal is ideal for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner, garnished with fresh herbs for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Grains
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Dairy
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear each side until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, which takes around 3 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld into the base.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Orzo: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and orzo pasta, coating the orzo with oil and toasting it slightly to bring out its nutty flavor.
- Add Chicken Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the orzo to start cooking and absorb the flavorful liquid.
- Cook Chicken and Orzo Together: Return the seared chicken breasts to the pot. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender, ensuring everything cooks evenly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and heated through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as desired for a balanced flavor with a slight kick if preferred.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish the dish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and oregano for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can be substituted for dry ones but may require additional oil for sautéing.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free orzo or substituting with rice or quinoa.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
