why make this recipe
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and comforting orzo pasta. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. The flavors blend together so well that your family and friends will be asking for seconds. It’s simple to make and brings a taste of love to every bite!
how to make Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Directions:
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Orzo: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the orzo and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
Make the Sauce: Add the heavy cream and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well and then add the spinach. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Combine Everything: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Let it simmer for a few minutes to warm the chicken through and allow the flavors to blend.
Serve: Once ready, serve the dish hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
how to serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Marry Me Chicken Orzo can be served straight from the skillet. Spoon it onto plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. You can also pair it with a side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
how to store Marry Me Chicken Orzo
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it creamy.
tips to make Marry Me Chicken Orzo
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
variation
For a different twist, you can replace the chicken with shrimp or tofu. This will change the flavor but still keep the dish delicious and satisfying.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can use any small pasta like couscous or tiny shells, but the cooking time may vary.
2. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and just cook the orzo when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Orzo?
It is not ideal to freeze because the orzo may become mushy upon reheating, but you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Cook fresh orzo when you’re ready to eat.
Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Stir in the orzo and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Add the heavy cream and diced tomatoes to the skillet.
- Stir well and then add the spinach.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
- Let it simmer for a few minutes to warm the chicken through and allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve the dish hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.