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Creamy Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo

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A quick and easy creamy chicken dish with sun-dried tomato orzo, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights. The tender chicken and rich sauce make it a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (medium-sized)
  • Salt and pepper, to season
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Add red pepper flakes if using. Let simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Meanwhile, bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook according to package directions, usually 8-9 minutes, until al dente. Drain and stir into the creamy sauce.
  7. Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the creamy orzo mixture. Spoon sauce over the chicken, sprinkle chopped fresh basil, and drizzle lemon juice on top. Let everything warm together for a minute or two before serving.

Notes

Dry chicken well before seasoning to get a golden crust. Do not rush sauce reduction for deeper flavor. Keep heat moderate when adding cream and cheese to avoid curdling. Add a splash of broth or cream if sauce thickens too much. Fresh herbs like basil add brightness at the end. Variations include swapping orzo for cauliflower rice for low-carb or using coconut cream and nutritional yeast for dairy-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken, sun-dried tomato, orzo, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, creamy sauce, chicken recipe

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-marry-me-chicken-recipe-with-sun-dried-tomato-orzo-easy-and-perfect/