Description
Delight in this delicious One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce with perfectly tender orzo pasta. This quick and easy dish is bursting with flavor and perfect for a comforting dinner that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half, more if needed
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken pieces. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Add Aromatics and Tomatoes: Stir in minced garlic, paprika, dried Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes to release and blend the flavors.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Pour in the dry orzo pasta and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet with a lid.
- Simmer Orzo: Let the orzo cook covered for 10-12 minutes until it becomes tender and absorbs most of the broth.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the half-and-half, adding more if the mixture is too thick. Fold in grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, stirring until the cheese melts and the basil wilts.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the dish immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor, but drain them well before chopping.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, add less half-and-half or let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil, but add it earlier in the cooking process to release its flavor.
- Parmesan cheese adds savory depth; substitute with Pecorino Romano if desired.
- For a lower-fat option, use half-and-half light or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
