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Marry-Me Orzo Pasta

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Creamy sun-dried tomato chicken and orzo pasta so irresistible it might just earn you a proposal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and sliced
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to skillet, and cook 4–5 minutes until golden and nearly cooked through.
  3. Stir in garlic and crushed red pepper; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and orzo; toast 1 minute, stirring.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up browned bits; bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in Parmesan, oregano, and thyme; reduce heat to medium-low.
  7. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, 10–12 minutes until orzo is al dente and sauce is thick.
  8. Fold in spinach until wilted, about 1 minute.
  9. Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and basil.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and substitute vegetable broth.
  • If the sauce thickens too much, thin with a splash of broth or cream.
  • Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a different flavor.
  • Leftovers reheat well—add a little water or broth before warming.

Nutrition

Keywords: marry me orzo pasta, creamy sun dried tomato chicken orzo, one-pot pasta

Find it online: https://recipesfoodeasy.com/marry-me-orzo-pasta/