One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo

• Chicken breast(700 g)
• Salt(1¾ tsp)
• Black pepper(1¾ tsp)
• Paprika(1¾ tsp)
• Olive oil(2 tbsp)
• Butter(20 g)
• Onion(1)
• Garlic(4 cloves)
• Sun-dried tomatoes(80 g)
• Dried Oregano(1 tsp)
• Thyme(¼ tsp)
• Chili flakes(1¼ tsp)optional
• Tomato paste(1½ tbsp)
• Orzo(280 g)
• Stock cube(1)
• Heavy cream(250 ml)
• Parmesan(70 g)
• Fresh basil(10 g)optional
• Lemon(½)optional

Method

1. 1

   Cut {Chicken breast} into bite-size pieces. Season with {Salt}, {Black pepper}, and {Paprika}.

   ~5 min

2. 2

   Heat {Olive oil} and {Butter} in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly golden on the outside, stirring occasionally.

   ~6 min

3. 3

   Add {Onion} and cook until softened. Stir in {Garlic}, then cook just until fragrant. Mix in {Tomato paste}, {Sun-dried tomatoes}, {Oregano}, {Thyme}, and {Chili flakes}.

   ~4 min

4. 4

   Stir in {Orzo}. Add {Water} and crumble in {Stock cube}. Bring to a boil, stirring well to prevent sticking.

   ~3 min

5. 5

   Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring every couple of minutes, until the orzo is tender and the liquid has reduced to a thick, glossy sauce that clings to the pasta.

   ~10 min

6. 6

   Turn heat to low. Stir in {Heavy cream} and {Parmesan} until fully melted and ultra-creamy. Taste and season with the remaining {Salt} if needed.

   ~2 min

7. 7

   Turn off the heat. Stir through most of the {Fresh basil}. Finish with {Lemon} juice to brighten, then serve with the remaining basil scattered on top.

   ~5 min