Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, one-pot dish featuring tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach cooked with orzo pasta in a flavorful broth. This comforting meal combines the richness of double cream and Parmesan cheese for a luscious sauce, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Base Ingredients
- 650 g (1.4 lb) Chicken breast (about 4 pieces), skinless and boneless, chopped
- 1 tbsp Olive oil or oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar
- 3 Garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 170 g (6 oz) Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained
Seasonings and Pasta
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 250 g (9 oz) Orzo
Liquids and Cheese
- 650 ml (2.75 cups) Hot chicken stock
- 150 ml (0.75 cups) Double cream
- 50 g (2 oz) Parmesan, grated
Vegetables and Finishing
- 120 g (4 oz) Spinach
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large, deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot. Add the chopped chicken pieces carefully, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5 minutes until all sides start to turn golden brown.
- Add aromatics and spices: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the crushed garlic, drained sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Cook while stirring for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic softens and the spices release their aroma.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo pasta, hot chicken stock, and some freshly ground black pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine, then cover with a lid. Cook on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly fully cooked.
- Finish with spinach and cream: Lower the heat to the lowest setting. Add the spinach and double cream to the pan, stirring thoroughly to wilt the spinach and heat the cream through, about 1 to 3 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through at this stage.
- Incorporate Parmesan and serve: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan until fully melted and combined. Adjust seasoning with additional black pepper if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Chicken: You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breast if preferred; just increase cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Stock/liquid: The orzo may sometimes require a bit more liquid to cook fully. If the stock is absorbed before the orzo is tender, add a splash of hot water or extra stock to finish cooking.
- Double Cream: Heavy cream can be used as an equivalent substitute to double cream. For fluid ounces, use approximately 5 fl. oz.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 790 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 776 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 67 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 56 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
