Oh, the joy of stumbling upon a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening—Creamy Chicken and Orzo Delight is exactly that. Imagine the creamy, dreamy texture of orzo mingling with tender pieces of chicken, all enveloped in a sauce that’s both rich and comforting. It reminds me of that time I tried a similar dish at a quaint little bistro tucked away in Rome—except this one’s even better because it’s homemade.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat and add the chopped chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown slightly.
- Lower the heat and mix in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir the ingredients for 3-5 minutes until the garlic becomes soft.
- Pour in the orzo, chicken stock, and a sprinkle of pepper, then stir well and cover the pan with a lid. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly done.
- Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and add the spinach and double cream, stirring thoroughly for 1-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cream is warmed through.
- Turn off the heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese to complete the dish.
Ingredients
- 650 g skinless and boneless chicken breast, chopped (approximately 4 pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar)
- 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
- 170 g sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 250 g orzo pasta
- 650 ml hot chicken stock
- 150 ml double cream
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 120 g baby spinach
- Freshly ground black pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 790kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 56g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 776mg | Potassium: 1836mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 4567IU | Vitamin C: 56mg | Calcium: 263mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- What is orzo and how is it used in cooking?
- Orzo is a type of pasta that resembles rice in shape and is known as ‘little pasta’ in Italy. Traditionally used in soups, it has gained popularity for its versatility in various dishes, both hot and cold. It holds its shape well and has a unique texture, making it an excellent choice for recipes like Marry Me Chicken Orzo.
- How can I prevent my orzo from drying out while cooking?
- To ensure your orzo doesn’t dry out, follow the recipe’s liquid quantities. If you notice it drying before it’s fully cooked, add a small amount of water or stock gradually, stirring occasionally. Avoid adding too much at once to prevent overcooking.
- Can I substitute another type of pasta for orzo in this recipe?
- This recipe is specifically designed for orzo due to its quick cooking time and rice-like texture. If you choose to use a different pasta, you will need to adjust the amount of liquid and the cooking time accordingly to achieve the desired consistency.
- What pan is best for preparing one-pot meals like this?
- A large, deep frying pan is ideal for one-pot meals. It allows even cooking and enough space to accommodate all ingredients comfortably. For specific pan recommendations, consider checking reviews or guides that compare different one-pan cookware options.
- How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
- Store leftover orzo in the fridge, covered, for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or an ice cube to prevent it from drying out. Reheat thoroughly before serving. While orzo can be frozen, be mindful that its texture might change, and the cream could split upon thawing.
Tips
- When frying the chicken, ensure all sides are starting to color before adding the other ingredients. This will help lock in the flavors and give the chicken a nice texture.
- If your orzo begins to dry out before it’s fully cooked, add a bit more stock or water gradually. This ensures the orzo maintains its texture without becoming too mushy.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with a meat alternative and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- When reheating orzo leftovers, add a splash of water or an ice cube to avoid the pasta becoming too dry and clumpy.
Equipment
- Large Deep Frying Pan or One-Pot Pan: To cook the entire dish in one pot as described.
- Garlic Press: To crush garlic cloves efficiently.
- Lid for the Frying Pan: Essential for covering the pan while cooking the orzo.
