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Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Orzo in Just 30 Minutes

This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, one-pot dish that combines tender orzo with rich flavors, ready in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil feel free to use any neutral oil as a substitute
  • 1 tablespoon butter can replace with additional olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste fresh tomatoes work in a pinch
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes use those packed in oil for added flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano fresh oregano can be used in a pinch
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced) use fresh garlic for best taste
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste or omit for less spice
For the Pasta
  • 1.5 cups uncooked orzo pasta can substitute with any small pasta
For the Liquid Ingredients
  • ½ cup dry white wine replace with additional chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version
  • 3 cups chicken broth use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream substitute with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for lower-fat version
For the Protein & Toppings
  • 2 cups cooked shredded/roasted chicken rotisserie chicken saves time
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative, swap with nutritional yeast
  • handful fresh basil any fresh herb can serve as a substitute

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes. Add ½ cup of diced sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes soften.
  2. Pour in ½ cup of dry white wine, stirring to combine with the aromatic mixture. Allow the wine to simmer for 1 minute until it bubbles and reduces slightly, scraping any bits stuck to the pot.
  3. Stir in 3 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Add 1.5 cups of uncooked orzo pasta to the pot, stirring well to ensure the pasta is submerged. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking.
  5. Once the orzo reaches an al dente texture, add in 2 cups of cooked shredded or roasted chicken, ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a handful of chopped fresh basil. Stir gently until everything is well combined.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat and cover it with a lid. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes to thicken as the flavors meld beautifully. Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Don't skip the white wine for enhanced flavor complexity. Feel free to customize with different proteins or vegetables.

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