Marry Me Chicken Orzo (Printable Version)
Creamy chicken and orzo with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan in a luscious sauce.
# 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
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 Make It:
01 - Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs, pressing gently to help the seasoning adhere.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with aluminum foil to rest.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet and melt. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
04 - Add sun-dried tomatoes and dry orzo to the skillet. Toss to coat in the butter and garlic, stirring constantly for 1 minute to lightly toast the pasta.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer.
06 - Stir in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Continue stirring until cheese melts and sauce begins to thicken slightly.
07 - Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the orzo mixture, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring the orzo occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency. Add a splash more broth if the mixture becomes too dry.
08 - Remove from heat and let the dish rest uncovered for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to set. Serve hot, garnished generously with chopped fresh basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The sauce clings to every single orzo piece like a warm embrace
- It comes together in one pan with minimal cleanup afterward
02 -
- The sauce continues thickening as it rests, so remove from heat while still slightly loose
- Stir the orzo occasionally while simmering or it will stick to the bottom
03 -
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning for better browning
- Room temperature cream incorporates more smoothly into the sauce