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Creamy Marry Me Orzo

This creamy Marry Me Orzo recipe is an easy one pan dinner made with chicken, parmesan cheese, garlic, spinach, and sun dried tomatoes. It is rich, cozy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast diced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes chopped
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup parmesan cheese freshly shredded
  • 2 cups spinach
  • Fresh basil for garnish
  • Extra parmesan cheese for serving

Method
 

  1. Place the diced chicken into a bowl. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss until evenly coated.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Add garlic and sun dried tomatoes to the same skillet. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the dry orzo pasta and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly toasted.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes while stirring often.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Slowly add the parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir until coated in the sauce.
  8. Stir in the spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
  9. Top with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese before serving warm.

Notes

  • Stir often so the orzo cooks evenly.
  • Add more broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
  • Fresh parmesan cheese melts better than pre shredded cheese.
  • Do not overcook the orzo for the best texture.