Marry Me Chicken Orzo
A delightful dish combining juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and tender orzo pasta with sundried tomatoes and garlic for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 1 pound chicken breasts, diced into bite-size pieces Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika Adds a smoky flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided Use one for cooking chicken and the other for the sauce.
For the sauce
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste Adds depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped Can be oil-packed or dry.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups orzo, uncooked Regular or whole wheat orzo.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Optional, for spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano For flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme For flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock Use low-sodium if preferred.
- 1 cup heavy cream For creaminess.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated For flavor and creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet.
- Stir in the tomato paste, sundried tomatoes, and garlic, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the orzo, crushed red pepper, oregano, and thyme, and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the chicken stock and cream, then return the chicken to the pan.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring every 1-2 minutes so the orzo does not stick to the pan.
- When the orzo is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil. Pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. A glass of white wine complements the dish beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.