Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo Casserole is a creamy, savory, and comforting dish combining tender chicken breasts, cheesy orzo pasta, and flavorful herbs. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and offers a rich, satisfying meal with balanced flavors and a luscious texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta & Grains
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Dairy & Cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for searing chicken
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a hot skillet and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and almost cooked through. Set aside.
- Cook the Orzo: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the orzo and toast it briefly. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and forms a rich, creamy sauce.
- Combine and Bake: Slice the seared chicken and nestle it into the orzo mixture. Transfer everything to a casserole dish. Optionally, sprinkle extra cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest a few minutes to set. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like parsley and basil to enhance brightness and flavor.
- Sear chicken well to lock in juices and add caramelized flavor.
- Do not overcook orzo before baking to avoid mushiness.
- Reserve some cheese for topping to achieve a golden crust.
- Allow casserole to rest after baking for easier slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg