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Marry Me Chicken Orzo Casserole

Marry Me Chicken Orzo Casserole
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Marry Me Chicken Orzo Casserole is a rich and creamy one-dish meal combining tender, seared chicken breasts with orzo pasta in a cheesy, aromatic sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, onions, and fresh herbs. Perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or special occasions, this casserole delivers a family-friendly, flavorful experience with minimal cleanup and customizable options.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta & Grains

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Produce & Aromatics

  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Liquids & Oils

  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)

Spices

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown on both sides but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside to rest.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add chopped garlic and onion. Cook until fragrant and softened to build the sauce’s flavor base.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently. Heat through, then add sun-dried tomatoes, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil and parsley. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Combine Orzo and Chicken: Stir dry orzo pasta thoroughly into the sauce, ensuring it is fully coated. Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top and transfer everything into an oven-safe casserole dish.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, orzo is tender but al dente, and the casserole is bubbling and golden.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil and parsley for the best vibrant flavor in the casserole.
  • Do not overcook orzo; it should remain al dente to avoid a mushy texture.
  • Searing chicken well locks in juices and flavor before baking.
  • Allow the casserole to rest a few minutes after baking to set for easier serving.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal melting and flavor quality.

Nutrition

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Orzo Casserole, Creamy Chicken Pasta, One-Dish Meal, Comfort Food, Family-Friendly Dinner

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/marry-me-chicken-orzo-casserole/