Description
This One-Pan Marry Me Chicken with Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s so delicious, it might just inspire someone to propose! Juicy chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, velvety sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese, then baked together with orzo pasta for a complete meal in one pan. The combination of savory chicken, al dente orzo, and the luxurious sauce creates a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you’re craving comfort food with minimal cleanup, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a touch of elegance, and serve it alongside a crisp salad or crusty bread for a meal everyone will rave about!
Ingredients
For the Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed or dry, rehydrated)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sear the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the Sauce Ingredients:
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, orzo, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine.
5. Bake the Dish:
- Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the orzo mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the orzo is tender.
6. Stir in the Parmesan:
- Remove the skillet from the oven and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Serve and Garnish:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, comforting flavors!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: Italian
