The Ultimate Marry Me Chicken With Risoni Recipe for Love

Culinary magic happens when marry me chicken meets risoni in a delightful dance of flavors.

Creamy textures and aromatic herbs blend seamlessly across your plate.

My kitchen often rings with laughter when this dish emerges from the oven.

Tender chicken nestled among delicate pasta creates a comfort meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully seasoned bite.

Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious depth that makes this recipe truly irresistible.

Marry Me Chicken with Risoni Essentials

• Master Quick Cooking: Prepare a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in just one skillet with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients like dairy or protein to match dietary needs without losing the dish's amazing taste profile.
• Pack Nutritional Power: Combine lean protein, hearty grains, and fresh vegetables in a single balanced meal that supports healthy eating goals.
• Crowd-Pleasing Sensation: Impress family and friends with a gourmet-style dish that looks sophisticated but requires minimal cooking skills.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken with Risoni

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein source for this delicious dish.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Garlic: Provide intense, concentrated flavor that adds depth to the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Spice blend that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps in searing the chicken and preventing sticking to the pan.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps cook the orzo while infusing additional flavor.
• Coconut Milk: Creates a creamy sauce that brings all ingredients together smoothly.
• Orzo: Small pasta that serves as a hearty base for the chicken and absorbs the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds nutritional value and a vibrant green color to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a rich, savory finish with a creamy melted texture.

Step-by-Step Marry Me Chicken with Risoni

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry using a paper towel. Slice into uniform, bite-sized cubes and set aside.

This helps achieve a perfect golden sear and ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Fire Up the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Pour in olive oil and wait until it shimmers, signaling it’s ready for cooking action.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken

Carefully drop chicken cubes into the hot skillet.

Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing edges to turn golden. The chicken will continue cooking later, so don’t worry about fully cooking it now.

Step 4: Boost the Flavor

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Crushed garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to coat chicken evenly. Let the mixture sizzle for 3-4 minutes, releasing aromatic spices and garlic notes.

Step 5: Introduce Risoni and Liquid

Add risoni and chicken broth to the skillet. Mix everything together.

Lower heat to medium, cover, and let simmer for 12 minutes. Peek and stir occasionally to prevent risoni from sticking.

Step 6: Create Creamy Magic

• Coconut milk
• Fresh spinach

Continue stirring until spinach wilts and sauce becomes luxuriously creamy.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet.

Gently stir to help cheese melt and create a rich, velvety sauce.

Step 8: Serve and Devour

Remove skillet from heat.

Plate immediately and serve piping hot. Enjoy this mouthwatering one-pan wonder that’s sure to win hearts!

Expert Tips for Marry Me Chicken with Risoni

• Pat chicken breasts completely dry to achieve a perfect golden sear and enhance flavor absorption.
• Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for an intense, rich taste that elevates the entire dish's profile.
• Choose fresh spinach leaves for maximum nutrition and a vibrant green color that adds visual appeal to the meal.
• Select low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming overly salty.
• Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for a more robust and authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.

Flavor Variations of Marry Me Chicken with Risoni

• Vegan Chickpea Delight: Replace chicken with crispy chickpeas, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and swap coconut milk with plant-based cream for a completely vegan version.
• Seafood Mediterranean Style: Substitute chicken with succulent shrimp or tender white fish, maintaining the sun-dried tomato and herb profile while creating a lighter seafood-focused meal.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap risoni with cauliflower rice, reduce liquid quantity, and keep the original spice blend for a keto-friendly and lower-carbohydrate adaptation of the recipe.
• Gluten-Free Quinoa Remix: Use quinoa instead of risoni, ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free, and maintain the creamy sauce and protein-rich elements of the original dish.

Pairing Ideas for Marry Me Chicken with Risoni

• Select a bright, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy sauce and complement the sun-dried tomatoes' intensity.
• Create a light, zesty side salad with mixed greens, fresh basil, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy chicken dish.
• Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast to the creamy orzo and tender chicken.
• Prepare a simple side of roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to add color and additional nutritional depth to the meal.

Storage Guidelines for Marry Me Chicken with Risoni

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the dish is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing as the risoni might become mushy upon thawing.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and can provide more flavor and tenderness. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized cubes and adjust cooking time slightly.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. The paprika and Italian seasoning add flavor without heat. If you want some kick, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

• Do I need to use coconut milk?

You can substitute coconut milk with heavy cream or half-and-half if you prefer. Each option will give a slightly different but equally creamy result. Choose based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

Marry Me Chicken With Risoni Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Marry me chicken with risoni brings together tender chicken and creamy pasta in a romantic Italian-inspired dish. Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese create irresistible flavors you will want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 cup orzo (risoni)
• 2 ¾ cups (650 ml) chicken broth or water
• ¾ cup (180 ml) full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
• ¾ cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil and drained
• ¾ cup (75 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 4–5 cloves garlic, mashed
• 2 large handfuls fresh spinach
• 2 tsps Italian seasoning
• 2 tsps paprika
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Meticulously pat chicken breasts until completely dry using paper towels, then slice into uniform, bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
2. Heat large skillet over medium-high temperature, drizzle olive oil until it shimmers with a glossy appearance.
3. Gently deposit chicken cubes into heated skillet, searing for 2-3 minutes while occasionally stirring until edges turn golden brown.
4. Introduce sun-dried tomatoes, crushed garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper into the skillet, thoroughly coating chicken and allowing spices to bloom for 3-4 minutes.
5. Pour risoni and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring comprehensively to distribute ingredients evenly. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for approximately 12 minutes, intermittently stirring to prevent sticking.
6. Once risoni reaches tender consistency, fold in coconut milk and fresh spinach, continuing to stir until spinach wilts and sauce transforms into a creamy texture.
7. Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese, gently incorporating until completely melted and sauce achieves a luxurious, smooth consistency.
8. Immediately transfer to serving plates while piping hot, ensuring optimal flavor and texture for a delectable dining experience.

Notes

• Perfectly sear chicken by ensuring it’s completely dry before cooking, which helps achieve a golden-brown exterior and prevents steaming.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting paprika and adding red pepper flakes for those who enjoy extra heat.
• Transform into a vegetarian option by swapping chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, maintaining the dish’s creamy texture and robust flavor profile.
• Reduce cooking time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, making this a quick weeknight meal solution for busy households.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 485 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg