Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Let’s gather everything you need to create this creamy, dreamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo! Every ingredient plays a special role, making the dish rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken – Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sear each side for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics – In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds the base of the dish’s incredible flavor.
- Cook the Orzo – Stir in the orzo and let it toast for a minute. This adds a subtle nutty depth to the pasta and keeps it from getting mushy.
- Simmer with Broth and Cream – Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together, making sure the orzo is fully submerged. Let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Return the Chicken and Finish the Dish – Slice the cooked chicken and nestle it back into the pan. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese, stirring gently until the sauce thickens. Garnish with fresh basil, and you’re ready to serve!
Notes
Want to make Marry Me Chicken Orzo even better? These simple tips will take your dish to the next level!
- Get the perfect sear – Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping. This creates a golden crust and locks in the juices.
- Toast the orzo first – Stirring the dry orzo in the pan for a minute before adding the liquid enhances the flavor and prevents mushiness.
- Make it lighter – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a slightly lighter version.
- Adjust the heat – Love a little spice? Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. Prefer it mild? Skip the spice!
- Storage and leftovers – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.