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Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo) Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 238 reviews

Marry Me Chicken Risoni is a creamy, comforting one-pan dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken thighs cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Combined with risoni (orzo pasta), spinach, and parmesan cheese, this flavorful meal is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet is simple to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ tsp salt, plus extra to taste
  • 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
  • ½ cup (80 g) roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika

Risoni and Sauce

  • 1 cup (200 g) risoni (orzo)
  • 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 cup (250 ml) thick (double/heavy) cream

Greens and Cheese

  • 2 handfuls fresh baby spinach
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan, plus extra to serve
  • Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken thighs to the skillet, seasoning with ½ teaspoon salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
  3. Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in 1 tablespoon of freshly minced garlic and ½ cup roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, dried thyme, and sweet paprika over the chicken mixture, stirring well to coat the pieces evenly.
  5. Add Risoni and Stock: Pour in 1 cup of risoni (orzo) and 2 cups of chicken stock. Stir in 1 teaspoon dijon mustard to enhance flavor. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Simmer the Pasta and Chicken: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the risoni is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Add Cream and Spinach: Pour in 1 cup of thick double/heavy cream and stir in 2 handfuls of fresh baby spinach. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Finish with Parmesan: Mix in ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, and season to taste with salt and cracked black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all flavors.
  9. Serve: Serve hot, sprinkled with extra parmesan cheese as desired for a rich and creamy finish.

Notes

  • Sun-dried tomatoes in oil add rich flavor; drain slightly if very oily.
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results; breast can be substituted but may be less tender.
  • Risoni is also known as orzo pasta; any small pasta shape can substitute if unavailable.
  • Adjust seasoning carefully especially the salt since chicken stock and parmesan add saltiness.

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Risoni, Orzo, Creamy Chicken Pasta, One-Pan Chicken Dinner, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Parmesan Chicken

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/marry-me-chicken-risoni-orzo-recipe/