Description
Irresistible marry me chicken with orzo promises culinary romance on a single plate. Creamy parmesan sauce and tender chicken create a comforting meal you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Starches:
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Dairy and Cream:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Oils and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 375°F.
- Sear chicken pieces until golden brown, approximately 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent, around 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes and orzo pasta, stirring to coat evenly with remaining skillet oils and aromatics.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a rapid boil. Reduce heat to low, return chicken to the pan, and cover.
- Simmer for 10-11 minutes, allowing orzo to absorb liquid and become tender. Gently stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Mix in heavy cream and fresh spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and integrates completely.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Plate the one-pan dish, garnishing with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for enhanced presentation and flavor.
Notes
- Chicken Selection Matters: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs that are similar in size to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out.
- Seasoning Technique: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance flavor absorption.
- Liquid Adjustment: Keep extra chicken broth nearby in case orzo needs more moisture during cooking to prevent sticking or burning.
- Dietary Modifications: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use cauliflower rice instead of orzo for a low-carb alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg