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Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Creamy one-pan chicken orzo made with tender chicken, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. A rich and comforting dinner recipe that is quick and easy.
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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 bite sized pieces
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes chopped
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add orzo and stir to lightly toast for added flavor.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and sun dried tomatoes. Simmer while stirring occasionally.
  5. Cook until orzo is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  6. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until creamy.
  7. Add cooked chicken back into the pan and mix well.
  8. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Stir the orzo often while cooking to stop it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small splash of warm chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest and creamiest sauce texture.
  • Cut chicken into evenly sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
  • Do not overcook the orzo. It should be tender with a slight bite because it will continue softening in the hot sauce.
  • Add the cream over low heat for a smoother sauce and to help prevent curdling.
  • Taste before serving and adjust salt and seasoning as needed since Parmesan and broth can vary in saltiness.