Description
This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pot skillet meal featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes simmered with orzo pasta in a flavorful garlic-basil broth. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner that delivers rich, Italian-inspired flavors in every bite.
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)
Cooking Oil
- 1 tablespoon oil reserved from sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté garlic and basil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of the sun-dried tomato oil. Add the minced garlic and dried basil, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add liquids and orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Mix in the orzo pasta and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the orzo: Reduce the heat to low and allow to cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 12 to 14 minutes. Continue cooking until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Add more broth as needed to maintain desired consistency.
- Add chicken, spinach, and Parmesan: Stir in the cooked chopped chicken, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens further and everything is heated through.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Remove from heat and let it rest for 2 minutes. Serve with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top if you like.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds smoky flavor.
- If you want a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce will be less rich.
- Feel free to add chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
- Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice for a gluten-free option.
- Reserve extra broth to adjust thickness during cooking as orzo absorbs liquid quickly.
