This Marry Me Chicken Risoni is a creamy and dreamy dish that features tender chicken and delightful risoni pasta. It’s full of flavor, thanks to garlic and sun-dried tomatoes!
Honestly, who could resist this comforting meal? I mean, chicken in a rich sauce with pasta sounds like a match made in heaven, right? 🍝❤️
Cooking it is easy! Just sauté, mix, and let it simmer. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing friends when you feel fancy without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Diced chicken breast is key here for that tender bite. You can swap it with turkey breast for a lower calorie option or use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Risoni (orzo): Risoni adds nice texture to the dish. If you can’t find it, feel free to use any small pasta like couscous or quinoa instead. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives it that rich, creamy feel. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk like almond milk thickened with cornstarch for creaminess.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach wilts beautifully in the dish. If you want a change, use kale or Swiss chard. Just remember that they take a bit longer to soften, so adjust your cooking time.
How Do I Achieve Flavorful Cooked Chicken?
Cooking the chicken well makes all the difference. Here’s how to ensure it’s flavorful and juicy:
- Start with a hot skillet – this helps in browning and sealing in juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the chicken; it needs space to sear. If your skillet is small, cook in batches.
- Season well with salt and pepper before cooking for extra flavor.
- Cook until browned (5-7 minutes) but not overcooked, or it can dry out.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Risoni
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup risoni (orzo pasta)
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking, making it a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast to the pan and season it with a little salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until you can smell the wonderful garlic aroma filling your kitchen.
3. Add the Flavor:
Next, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes along with the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
4. Cook the Risoni:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once it’s boiling, add the risoni and stir well to combine everything. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the risoni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Combine and Finish:
After the risoni is cooked, add the chicken back to the skillet, along with the fresh spinach and heavy cream. Stir everything to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and everything is heated through.
6. Add Cheese and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve your Marry Me Chicken Risoni hot in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy this rich and comforting dish!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta Instead of Risoni?
Yes, you can substitute risoni with any small pasta shape, like ditalini or small shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions, keeping an eye on the liquid absorption to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
How Do I Store Leftovers Properly?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it! Just ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. The flavors will still be delicious!
What Should I Serve with Marry Me Chicken Risoni?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. You could also serve it with steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.
