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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 flavorful, comforting, and creamy one-dish meal that combines tender seared chicken breasts, delicate orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and parmesan cheese into a harmonious baked casserole. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe delivers a rich, cheesy, and herby flavor with minimal prep and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)

Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 cup orzo pasta (use gluten-free orzo or quinoa for gluten-free option)
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or dairy-free cheese alternative)

Aromatics and Vegetables

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme or basil), chopped

Seasoning

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides but not fully cooked through to lock in the flavors and juices.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Remove the chicken from the pan. Using the same pan, sauté chopped garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent, creating the flavorful base for the sauce.
  3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes to release their sweet and tangy flavor, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, which will also cook the orzo later.
  4. Combine Orzo and Cream: Add the orzo pasta and heavy cream to the pan. Stir gently to allow the sauce to thicken and coat the orzo evenly.
  5. Bake with Cheese and Herbs: Place the seared chicken back into the casserole dish. Pour the creamy orzo mixture over the chicken, sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden on top, about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and orzo is tender.

Notes

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken to ensure a perfect golden crust.
  • Add fresh herbs just before baking to keep their aroma and flavor vibrant.
  • Check orzo’s texture before baking since it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Use quality real Parmesan cheese for authentic flavor rather than pre-grated substitutes.
  • Allow the casserole to rest a few minutes after baking so flavors meld and it becomes easier to serve.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, orzo pasta, creamy chicken bake, easy dinner, family friendly, comfort food

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