Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe

This One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a delightful dish that’s sure to impress. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of tender chicken, orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a hint of garlic and herbs. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, all in one pan!

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

• Flavorful and Elegant: This dish is bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of herbs, spices, and creamy sauce. It’s also an elegant and impressive meal that’s perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. Everything comes together in one pan for minimal cleanup.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this dish with different vegetables, herbs, or protein.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is always a hit with everyone, from kids to adults.

this Recipe

Ingredients for One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

• Orzo: This small rice-shaped pasta is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Adds flavor and helps to cook the orzo.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce.
• Baby Spinach: Adds nutrients and a pop of color.
• Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh, herby flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a concentrated tomato flavor and a chewy texture.
• Rotisserie Chicken: I use rotisserie chicken for convenience, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken or cook some chicken specifically for this recipe.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds a classic Italian flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Veggie Delight: Add some other vegetables, like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Different Protein: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or tofu.
• Creamy Twist: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

How to Make One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Preheat and Combine Ingredients

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Add all of the ingredients to the baking dish and mix well to combine. Make sure the spinach and basil are incorporated into the liquid and the ingredients are spread in a flat, even layer. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Step 2: Bake

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.

Step 3: Rest and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest on the counter for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the flavors to meld. Give everything a good stir and serve hot.

Tips and Tricks

• Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Bake the orzo until it’s just tender. It should still have a bit of bite to it.
• Fresh Herbs: I love using fresh herbs for this recipe, but you can substitute with dried herbs if needed.
• Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.

How to Serve

This One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a delicious and complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to this dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it later.
• Storing: Store leftover orzo in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the orzo in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes, like ditalini or small shells. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add more vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini. You can also use a vegetarian “chicken” substitute, like chickpeas or tofu.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
Yes, you can use dried herbs, but fresh herbs have a brighter flavor. If using dried herbs, reduce the amount by about half.

There you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo. I hope you enjoy it!

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