Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Rich and creamy, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Base 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
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Main Protein and Cheese
- 2 cups cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, butter, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and uncooked orzo pasta. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture is fragrant, cooking for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add liquids and cook pasta: Pour in the dry white wine and allow it to bubble for approximately one minute to let the alcohol cook off. Next, add 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 gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking and ensuring it cooks evenly without the liquid reducing too much.
- Incorporate chicken and cheese: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and torn/chopped fresh basil. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Finish and rest: Remove the pot from the heat and cover it. Let the dish rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken speeds up the preparation, but any cooked shredded chicken works well.
- Be careful not to let the orzo stick to the pot during simmering, stir often.
- Adjust the creaminess by varying the resting time or the amount of cream used.
- Substitute white wine with extra chicken broth if preferred or for a non-alcoholic version.
- Fresh basil adds bright flavor – add more or less according to your taste.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
