Description
A creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe that combines tender rotisserie chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with perfectly cooked orzo, making an easy yet elegant one-pan meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and oil reserved)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
- 1 cup orzo
- 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)
Instructions
- Heat Garlic and Basil: Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil reserved from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and dried basil, cooking for about 1 minute or just until fragrant to release their aromas.
- Add Liquids and Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, add the orzo, heavy whipping cream, and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Orzo: Reduce the heat to maintain a low boil. Cook uncovered for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently, until the orzo becomes tender and the sauce slightly thickens. Add additional chicken broth if the mixture becomes too thick or starts to dry out.
- Add Chicken and Spinach: Stir in the cooked chopped chicken, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce is thickened and heated through.
- Season and Rest: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top if preferred.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy protein option.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are dry-packed, rehydrate in warm water or substitute accordingly.
- Adjust chicken broth quantity to control sauce consistency.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but sauce will be less rich.
- Additional vegetables like mushrooms or artichokes can be added for variety.