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One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts, tender orzo pasta, and a rich sauce made from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This simple one-pan recipe cooks quickly in under 40 minutes, offering a hearty meal with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy nights or special dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Aromatics & Vegetables

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred)

Liquids & Dairy

  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs & Oil

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to preference)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes to release their flavor.
  3. Add Orzo and Broth: Stir the orzo pasta into the garlic and oil mixture to coat it well. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to prevent sticking. Bring to a simmer, partially cover the pan, and cook until the orzo absorbs the liquid and is tender.
  4. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Return the chicken breasts to the pan and warm through, allowing the chicken to soak up the sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle plenty of fresh chopped basil over the dish for a bright, herbal note. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed and serve directly from the pan or transfer to a platter.

Notes

  • Use fresh chicken breasts for juicier, better-seared meat.
  • Maintain a gentle simmer to prevent burning or curdling the cream.
  • Allow orzo to absorb broth slowly for perfect tenderness and flavor.
  • Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer taste and moisture.
  • Stir often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pan chicken orzo, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken dinner, one pot meal, comfort food, quick dinner, garlic chicken orzo