Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pot dish featuring tender chicken breast simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic spices, combined with creamy orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese for a rich and flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Base
- 650 g Chicken breast (about 4 pieces), skinless and boneless, chopped
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar)
- 3 Garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 170 g Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 2 tsp Paprika
Orzo and Liquids
- 250 g Orzo pasta
- 650 ml Hot chicken stock
- 150 ml Double cream
Vegetables and Cheese
- 120 g Spinach
- 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large, deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the chopped chicken pieces. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all sides are starting to brown and color.
- Add flavorings: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the crushed garlic, drained sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika to the pan. Stir continuously for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic softens and the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Cook the orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta, hot chicken stock, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything well, then cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is almost tender but not fully cooked.
- Finish with spinach and cream: Lower the heat to the lowest setting. Add the fresh spinach and double cream to the pan. Stir thoroughly for 1 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cream is heated through. Check that the chicken is fully cooked before proceeding.
- Add Parmesan and serve: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Serve immediately for a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal.
Notes
- You can substitute sun-dried tomato oil for olive oil to enhance the tomato flavor.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before adding the cream to ensure food safety.
- If the orzo absorbs all the liquid before cooking through, add a splash of hot water or stock to prevent sticking.
- This dish can be garnished with fresh basil or parsley for extra freshness.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, reduce the amount of cream or substitute with a lighter cream alternative.
