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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Meticulously pat chicken breasts until completely dry using paper towels, then slice into uniform, bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
- Heat large skillet over medium-high temperature, drizzle olive oil until it shimmers with a glossy appearance.
- Gently deposit chicken cubes into heated skillet, searing for 2-3 minutes while occasionally stirring until edges turn golden brown.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gradually sprinkle Parmesan cheese, gently incorporating until completely melted and sauce achieves a luxurious, smooth consistency.
- 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