Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach simmered with orzo pasta in a rich Parmesan-infused sauce. This flavorful dish is perfect for an easy dinner that’s ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained, oil reserved)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken (rotisserie or other)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (gently packed)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus additional for serving)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon reserved sun-dried tomato oil
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté garlic and basil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes. Add the minced garlic and dried basil, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add liquids and sun-dried tomatoes, bring to boil: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, and add the drained chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the orzo. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the orzo until tender: Reduce the heat to maintain a low boil. Cook uncovered for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens slightly. Add more broth as needed if the sauce reduces too quickly.
- Incorporate chicken, spinach, and Parmesan: Stir in the cooked chopped chicken, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes more until the cheese melts, the spinach wilts, and the dish is heated through.
- Season and rest: Taste and season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remove from heat and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add more chicken broth if the orzo absorbs too much liquid before cooking fully.
- This dish can easily be doubled for a larger crowd.
- Fresh spinach can be swapped with kale or other leafy greens as desired.
