Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the orzo and sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz, drained)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
For garnish:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season & Sear the Chicken
- In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown but not fully cooked.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the onions for 2 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Toast the Orzo
- Stir in the orzo pasta and let it toast for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- This adds a nutty flavor to the pasta and enhances the texture.
4. Simmer the Sauce
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth.
- Stir well, then add the partially cooked chicken back into the pan.
- Cover and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce is thickened.
5. Make it Creamy & Add the Spinach
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- If using, add chopped spinach and stir until wilted.
6. Garnish & Serve
- Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley for a beautiful finish.
- Serve hot and enjoy the rich, creamy, and comforting flavors!
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Orzo
🔥 Sear the chicken properly – Getting a golden crust on the chicken adds an extra layer of flavor.
🍅 Use sun-dried tomatoes for depth – They bring a slightly tangy and rich flavor that makes the dish irresistible.
🧀 Freshly grated Parmesan melts better – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well, so use fresh for the creamiest sauce.