Oh, have I got a treat for you today! Let me introduce you to my latest culinary obsession: Marry Me Chicken Orzo. Seriously, this dish is so good that I half expect it to come with a proposal on the side. I remember the first time I made this; I was having some friends over for dinner, and I thought, “What can I cook that’s creamy, comforting, and just a bit fancy?” Enter Marry Me Chicken Orzo, and I have to say, it did not disappoint!
The combination of tender chicken cutlets, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich, creamy orzo makes for a dish that feels almost like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Trust me, your friends and family will be begging for the recipe (and maybe for your hand in marriage)!
What’s in Marry Me Chicken Orzo?
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this dish whisper sweet nothings to your taste buds:
Chicken Breast: This is the star of the show! I slice it into thin cutlets for quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
Orzo Pasta: These little rice-shaped pasta pieces soak up all the delicious flavors. If you haven’t cooked with orzo before, you’re in for a treat!
Chicken Broth: This adds depth and flavor to the orzo. I usually opt for low-sodium chicken broth to keep things healthier.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little bursts of flavor add sweetness and color. They are a game changer in this dish!
Heavy Cream: Because who doesn’t love a rich, velvety sauce? This is what takes the dish from good to absolutely swoon-worthy.
Parmesan Cheese: I use freshly grated cheese because it melts beautifully into the sauce. The more, the merrier!
Onion & Garlic: These two add essential aromatics that make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Herbs (Oregano & Basil): Perfect for that classic Italian vibe. Fresh herbs would also work nicely if you have them on hand!
Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch (or more, if you’re feeling feisty!) adds a lovely heat that pairs perfectly with the creaminess.
Olive Oil: For cooking up that chicken to beautiful golden perfection.
Salt and Pepper: The dynamic duo that can’t be left out!
Fresh Parsley: For garnish! Not only does it look beautiful, but it provides a fresh, herbaceous note.
Is Marry Me Chicken Orzo Good for You?
Now, I wouldn’t exactly call this dish a salad, but hey, it does have some redeeming qualities!
Chicken Breast: Packed with protein, it’s a lean choice—especially when sliced into cutlets.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Full of antioxidants, they add a punch of flavor and nutrients.
Heavy Cream: Okay, it’s rich, but it brings the deliciousness! Moderation is key, and you can always substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
The orzo does contain carbs, but it’s filling and great for energy, especially if you’re having a busy day. Just keep an eye on your portion size, especially if you’re counting calories!
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 4 people and here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin cutlets
– 2 cups orzo pasta
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo?
Ready to woo those taste buds? Here’s how to get cooking:
1. Heat your olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. While it’s warming up, season your chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and let it cook until browned and cooked through, around 5-7 minutes per side. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
3. In that same skillet, toss in the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant—your kitchen will smell divine!
4. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, orzo, and chicken broth. Bring it all to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed most of the broth.
5. Now, lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), and any additional salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all together until it’s wonderfully creamy.
6. Slice the cooked chicken and nestle it back into the orzo mixture. Allow everything to heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and prepare to impress!
Delicious Variations & Serving Suggestions
Let’s talk about how to make this dish your own! You can:
– Toss in some spinach or kale for extra greens.
– Add mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Just sauté them with the onions for max flavor!
– Swap the chicken for shrimp or even a plant-based protein if you’re feeling fancy.
– Serve it with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up that creamy goodness.
Feel free to make it your own, and don’t forget to let me know how it turns out!
I can’t wait for you to try this Marry Me Chicken Orzo! It’s perfect for date night or to impress dinner guests, and it’s honestly become a staple in my cooking repertoire. So, grab your spatula, get cooking, and let’s see if that proposal comes true! Enjoy!
