Marry Me Chicken Orzo (Printable Version)
Creamy chicken and orzo pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs in a rich Parmesan sauce. Ready in 40 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Orzo & Sauce
06 - 3/4 cup dry orzo pasta
07 - 1 tablespoon butter
08 - 2 cloves garlic minced
09 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and sliced
10 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
11 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
12 - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
15 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
17 - Extra Parmesan for serving
# How-To Steps:
01 - Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs on both sides.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
03 - In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
04 - Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and dry orzo pasta. Toss to coat evenly and toast for 1 minute to enhance flavor.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for added flavor.
06 - Add Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes if using, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until combined and cheese begins to melt.
07 - Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until orzo is al dente and sauce has thickened. Stir orzo occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash more broth if the mixture becomes too dry.
08 - Remove from heat and let rest for 2 to 3 minutes to allow sauce to set. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- The sauce clings to every piece of orzo like it was made for each other
- It comes together in under an hour but tastes like you spent all day cooking
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
02 -
- The orzo keeps absorbing liquid even off the heat so don't let it get too thick in the pan
- If your chicken breasts are very thick pound them slightly for even cooking
- Sun dried tomatoes packed in oil add more flavor than the dry kind
03 -
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning for the best sear
- Grate your own Parmesan instead of buying pre shredded for better melting