Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds), preferably organic
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup gluten-free orzo pasta
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the gluten-free orzo and cook for about 8-10 minutes until the orzo is al dente.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing until well combined. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition