Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a luxurious yet easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs, creamy orzo, and a rich sun-dried tomato sauce. Bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, it’s comforting, elegant, and ready in just 30 minutes — perfect for both romantic dinners and weeknight meals.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken thighs
1 tbsp sweet smoked paprika
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp sun-dried tomato powder
2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp dried shallots
1 tbsp minced onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp dried basil
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup orzo
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups spinach
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry and season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and sun-dried tomato powder.
- Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté dried shallots, minced onion, and garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, and a pinch of salt. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in orzo. Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook on medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in heavy cream and spinach. Let the spinach wilt, then mix in Parmesan until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp salad.
Notes
Substitute chicken breasts for a lighter option.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for extra richness.
Add mushrooms or roasted red peppers for added depth and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
