Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach, packed tightly
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, oregano, and thyme, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente.
6. Once the orzo is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
7. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, allowing it to heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Nutrition