Marry Me Chicken Orzo
A creamy and vibrant dish featuring succulent chicken and hearty orzo, perfect for special occasions and comforting meals.
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking.
Starch/Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta Cook according to package instructions.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds flavor when sprinkled during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Enhances flavor profile.
Liquids/Dairy
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth Keeps the dish from being too salty.
- 1 cup heavy cream Adds richness to the sauce.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh spinach Chop finely and add during the last few minutes of cooking.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Sprinkle before serving for depth of flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cut chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown.
Sauce Preparation
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom to release any flavorful bits.
- Add the dry orzo to the skillet and let it simmer in the chicken broth for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After the orzo is al dente, stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and the cooked chicken back into the pan.
- Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if necessary.
Serving
- Serve the Marry Me Chicken Orzo warm, garnished with fresh Parmesan.
Notes
Squeeze lemon juice for a fresh flavor before serving. Customize with sun-dried tomatoes or olives. Can also top with fresh basil or parsley.