Description
Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo) is a creamy, flavorful one-pot Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and garlic, combined with risoni pasta and fresh spinach, finished with Parmesan cheese. This comforting, easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a rich, balanced taste with a smooth, luscious sauce.
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
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
Pasta and Sauce
- ½ cup (80 g) roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1 cup (200 g) risoni (orzo)
- 2 cups (500 ml) chicken stock
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 cup (250 ml) thick (double/heavy) cream
- 2 handfuls fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan, plus extra to serve
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken thighs and season with ½ tsp salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, around 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Herbs: Stir in freshly minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, and sweet paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and sun-dried tomatoes are warmed through.
- Incorporate Risoni and Stock: Add the risoni (orzo) to the skillet and stir well to combine with the chicken and aromatics. Pour in the chicken stock, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the risoni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cream and Mustard: Stir in the dijon mustard and thick cream. Continue to cook uncovered for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Finish with Spinach and Parmesan: Fold in the fresh baby spinach and half of the grated parmesan. Cook for another 2 minutes until spinach wilts. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken risoni to serving plates and sprinkle with additional grated parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer flavor and better texture.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, adjusting cooking time for thickness.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Risoni, Orzo, Creamy Chicken Pasta, One-Pot Meal, Italian Chicken Recipe