Marry Me Chicken Orzo
A delightful dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and orzo pasta, enhanced with garlic, Italian herbs, and fresh spinach for a comforting yet sophisticated meal.
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Trim any excess fat and season with salt and pepper before cooking.
Starch/Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta Cook it directly in the chicken broth for added taste.
Liquids/Dairy
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth Use as the cooking liquid for orzo.
- 1 cup heavy cream Stir in after the pasta is cooked to create a sauce.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Mix into the chicken while cooking for flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Enhances flavors; can be substituted with fresh herbs.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped) Add during the last few minutes of cooking.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Mix in at the end for a cheesy finish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the chicken.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the hot skillet.
- Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and set aside, ensuring to keep the juices in the pan.
Cooking
- In the same skillet, add the orzo and toast it lightly in the remaining oil for about 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Stir to combine the orzo with the broth, then reduce to a simmer.
- Once the broth has reduced slightly and the orzo is nearly cooked, stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, nestling it among the orzo.
- Allow everything to simmer together for around 5-7 minutes.
- In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Once everything looks delicious, serve and enjoy!
Notes
You can enhance flavor by marinating the chicken in Italian dressing for a few hours before cooking. Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables.