Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy and flavorful one-pot Italian-inspired dish that combines tender shredded chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, all cooked with orzo pasta in a luscious tomato cream sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that tastes gourmet with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 2 cups cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Ingredients: Heat the olive oil and butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and uncooked orzo pasta. Stir frequently as the butter melts and cook for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors and lightly toast the orzo.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the dry white wine and let it bubble for about one minute to cook off the alcohol. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the orzo from sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Incorporate Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the shredded chicken, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and fresh basil until well combined. This will meld the flavors and add richness to the creamy sauce.
- Rest and Season: Remove the pot from heat and cover it. Allow the dish to rest for 3-5 minutes so the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use a good quality dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them well before adding.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut, but leftover cooked chicken works just as well.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil or parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the orzo to avoid it becoming mushy.
