Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Orzo: A Cozy Family Dinner Delight!
These creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo bowls deliver a comforting mix of tender chicken and dreamy orzo pasta, making it an ideal meal to share with loved ones. You can whip up this delicious dish in just 30 minutes, turning ordinary dinner time into a cozy bonding experience for the whole family.
Picture this: a chilly evening, laughter echoing around the dining table, and the tantalizing aroma of chicken simmering in a rich sauce wafting through the house. That’s the beauty of Marry Me Chicken Orzo. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a memory in the making. The story behind its name is as captivating as the dish itself; legend has it that the flavors are so enchanting they could inspire a wedding proposal. Let’s dive into this simple yet elegant recipe together!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Orzo has everything you want in a family-friendly dinner – it’s comforting, quick to prepare, and absolutely divine to eat! With the creamy texture crafted from reduced fat cream cheese and cheddar, every bite feels like a warm hug. Plus, it blends lean protein and fresh veggies, making it a well-rounded meal you can feel good about serving.
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Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Orzo
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo bowls deliver a comforting mix of tender chicken and dreamy orzo pasta, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 500g chicken breasts, cubed
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 10g garlic, pureed or finely chopped
- 20g tomato puree
- 240ml skimmed milk
- 600ml chicken stock
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- 200g orzo (dry weight)
- 85g sundried tomatoes, sliced
- 2 handfuls baby spinach
- 60g reduced fat cream cheese
- 60g reduced fat cheddar cheese, grated
- Small bunch fresh basil, for garnishing
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set the chicken aside.
- Add the chopped onion to the same pan and sauté for a few minutes until it turns translucent. Then, add the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato puree, skimmed milk, chicken stock, mixed herbs, and orzo. Stir to prevent the orzo from clumping. Reduce the heat to medium and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add the sundried tomatoes back into the pan along with the chicken. Stir everything together and simmer until the sauce thickens and the orzo is almost fully cooked, about 5 more minutes.
- Toss in the baby spinach, cream cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese. Keep the heat low and stir until the spinach wilts. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Top the dish with the remaining cheddar cheese and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian herbs for about 30 minutes before cooking. You can also adjust the cream cheese and cheddar to your family’s preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
How to Make Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken breasts, cubed
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 10g garlic, pureed or finely chopped
- 20g tomato puree
- 240ml skimmed milk
- 600ml chicken stock
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- 200g orzo (dry weight)
- 85g sundried tomatoes, sliced
- 2 handfuls baby spinach
- 60g reduced fat cream cheese
- 60g reduced fat cheddar cheese, grated
- Small bunch fresh basil, for garnishing
Directions:
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the pan. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set the chicken aside.
Add the chopped onion to the same pan and sauté for a few minutes until it turns translucent. Then, add the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Now, stir in the tomato puree, skimmed milk, chicken stock, mixed herbs, and orzo. Give it a good stir to prevent the orzo from clumping. Reduce the heat to medium and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
Add the sundried tomatoes back into the pan along with the chicken. Stir everything together, allowing it to simmer until the sauce thickens and the orzo is almost fully cooked, about 5 more minutes.
Toss in the baby spinach, cream cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese. Keep the heat low and stir until the spinach wilts. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it up with a splash more of milk. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
Top your creation with the remaining cheddar cheese and fresh basil before serving.
Serving Up Love with Marry Me Chicken Orzo
To serve this delectable dish, scoop generous portions into bowls and top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a pop of color. Paired with a simple side salad or crusty bread, it turns into a feast that everyone will adore. Watch as smiles grow around the table as they dive into this hearty meal.
Storing Leftovers of Your Chicken Orzo Dish
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare, trust me), let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips for Perfecting Your Marry Me Chicken Orzo
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian herbs for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust the cream cheese and cheddar to your family’s preferred richness – you can even experiment with different cheeses!
- Use whole-grain orzo for a healthier twist, full of added nutrition.
Fun Variations to Try
To mix things up, why not try adding your favorite vegetables? Peas, zucchini, or bell peppers can be delicious additions packed with color and nutrients. You could also swap the chicken for shrimp or leave out the protein entirely for a vegetarian delight.
FAQs
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Orzo ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the orzo and sauce a day in advance and simply reheat before serving. Add the spinach and cheeses just before you’re ready to eat for the best texture.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the orzo mixture for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely, store it in a freezer-safe container, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use different types of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes! Feel free to swap out orzo for any small pasta shape you have on hand, like shells or ditalini; just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Embrace the warmth and love that comes with this Marry Me Chicken Orzo – a comforting dish that’s designed to bring your family together, bite after lovely bite!