Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender shredded chicken, orzo pasta cooked in a rich tomato and cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and a hint of white wine. Garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, this comforting recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary 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 and Cook Seasonings: In a pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil, butter, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and uncooked orzo. Once the butter has melted, cook everything together for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring frequently to combine flavors and lightly toast the orzo.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the dry white wine and allow it to bubble for about one minute to reduce slightly. Then stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low so it simmers gently. Continue cooking uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the orzo from sticking. Be careful not to let the liquid reduce too much before the pasta finishes cooking.
- Incorporate Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and torn fresh basil until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Thicken and Season: Remove the pot from heat and cover it. Let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the dish to thicken to your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time or cook your own shredded chicken for a fresher option.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- Make sure to stir frequently while simmering to avoid the orzo sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If you don’t have white wine, you may substitute with extra chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
