Why Make This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo) is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken with creamy orzo pasta, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests. The flavors blend beautifully, and the addition of fresh spinach and sweet cherry tomatoes gives it a colorful and nutritious touch. This dish is sure to impress anyone who tries it!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo)
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup risoni (orzo)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the risoni and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until risoni is al dente, about 10 minutes.
- Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, and heavy cream, and stir to combine.
- Return chicken to the skillet, add parmesan cheese, and cook until cheese melts.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo)
Serve Marry Me Chicken Risoni hot directly from the skillet. You can plate it individually or serve it family-style. Garnish with fresh basil for an extra touch of color and flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo)
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain the creamy texture.
Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo)
- Make sure not to overcook the risoni; it should be al dente to maintain a nice texture.
- For added flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Feel free to adjust the vegetables according to your taste. Peas or bell peppers can be great additions!
Variation
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing chicken with mushrooms or grilled zucchini. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and use a plant-based cream for a lighter version.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of pasta instead of risoni?
Yes, you can use small pasta shapes like orzo, ditalini, or even small shells.
2. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead and store them separately. Combine and reheat before serving.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the cream and risoni may change texture. However, you can freeze just the cooked chicken and use it in other recipes.
Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo)
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the risoni and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until risoni is al dente, about 10 minutes.
- Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, and heavy cream, and stir to combine.
- Return chicken to the skillet, add parmesan cheese, and cook until cheese melts.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.