Marry Me Chicken & Orzo
Marry Me Chicken & Orzo is a quick, easy and delicious one-pot dinner that’s perfect for busy days. It’s creamy, comforting and full of flavour, with minimal washing up afterwards. Serve it with greens or garlic bread for a simple family meal that also works beautifully when you have guests.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 chicken breast diced,
- 1 onion finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 tbsp red pesto
- 250 g orzo pasta
- 700 ml hot chicken stock
- 100 g cream cheese
- 50 g Parmesan finely grated
- 2 large handfuls baby spinach
- Fresh basil to serve (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or shallow casserole dish over a medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden.
- Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, then stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the mixed herbs, smoked paprika and red pesto.
- Add the orzo and stir well to coat in the flavours.
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring regularly, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir through the cream cheese and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Fold through the spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, until wilted.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper if needed.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and a little extra Parmesan before serving.
- Tips: Add mushrooms or peas for an extra vegetable boost.If the orzo thickens too much, stir in a splash of hot stock or milk.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of stock or milk to loosen the sauce.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!