Marry Me Chicken Orzo (Print version)
Creamy chicken and orzo with sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan. A comforting 40-minute dish perfect for special occasions.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Orzo & Sauce
06 - 3/4 cup dry orzo pasta
07 - 1 tablespoon butter
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
10 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
12 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
15 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
17 - Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
# How To Make It:
01 - Evenly coat chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs on both sides.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken in pan and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and melt. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
04 - Add sun-dried tomatoes and dry orzo to the skillet. Toss continuously for 1 minute to coat the pasta and lightly toast.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir thoroughly, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
06 - Stir in grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes (if using), dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until cheese begins to melt.
07 - Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Cover with lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until orzo is al dente and sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, adding a splash more broth if pasta becomes too dry.
08 - Remove skillet from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to set slightly. Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The orzo soaks up all that garlicky, Parmesan-infused cream like tiny flavor sponges
- Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning maximum flavor with minimum cleanup
02 -
- The orzo continues absorbing liquid as it rests, so pull it off heat when it's slightly looser than you want
- Don't crowd the pan when searing chicken or it will steam instead of getting that golden crust
03 -
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce texture
- Pat your chicken completely dry before searing for the best golden crust