Description
One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender pieces of chicken cooked together with orzo pasta in a sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce. Quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting dinner that satisfies every palate.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half, more if needed
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Add Aromatics and Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic, paprika, dried Italian seasoning, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Cook Orzo in Broth: Add dry orzo pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 12 minutes until the orzo is tender.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the half-and-half and stir to combine. If the orzo absorbs the liquid quickly, add a bit more half-and-half to reach desired creaminess.
- Finish with Basil and Seasoning: Stir in grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil until the cheese melts and the basil wilts. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content.
- If half-and-half is unavailable, whole milk or cream can be substituted but adjust quantity accordingly.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute orzo pasta with gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil may add more richness; drain before chopping if desired.
- Fresh basil can be swapped for dried Italian herbs in a pinch, but add less quantity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
