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Marry Me Chicken Orzo One Pot

Marry Me Chicken Orzo One Pot

Marry Me Chicken Orzo One Pot is a comforting and impressive creamy dish that combines tender chicken breasts, aromatic herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked orzo into a single pot meal. Its rich, velvety sauce paired with layers of bold, savory flavors makes it ideal for quick weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 2 large chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness

Pasta & Grains

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 shallots, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or Italian seasoning)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Dairy

  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and chopped shallots, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  3. Add Orzo and Liquids: Add dry orzo to the pot and stir to coat it with the aromatics. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs, then nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pot.
  4. Simmer Until Done: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for approximately 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even orzo cooking. The sauce will thicken as the orzo absorbs the liquid and the chicken cooks through.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Serve: Once the orzo is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and allow it to melt. Give everything a final gentle stir before serving hot.

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Do not skip searing the chicken, as it locks in flavor and adds a golden crust.
  • Simmer on low heat to prevent cream from curdling and keep the sauce silky.
  • Add some fresh herbs at the end of cooking to maintain brightness and aroma.
  • Keep an eye on liquid levels to avoid dryness; add a splash of broth if necessary.

Nutrition

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, One Pot Meal, Orzo, Creamy Chicken, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, One Pot Pasta