Description
Marry Me Chicken Risoni delivers pure comfort on a plate, guaranteed to win hearts with its creamy, herby goodness. Tender chicken and pasta swirl together in a sauce that whispers sweet promises of deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup risoni (orzo)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup thick (double/heavy) cream
- 2 handfuls fresh baby spinach
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
- ½ cup roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Seasoning:
- ½ teaspoon salt, plus extra to taste
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add 500g chicken pieces and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
- Lower heat to medium and toss 1 tablespoon minced garlic into the pan. Add ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, thyme, and paprika. Stir continuously for 1 minute to release aromatic flavors.
- Pour 1 cup risoni and 2 cups chicken stock into the pan. Stir to combine and ensure rice-shaped pasta is evenly distributed. Simmer uncovered at medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard and 1 cup heavy cream into the pan. Gently fold 2 handfuls of baby spinach and ½ cup grated Parmesan into the mixture.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for additional 3-4 minutes until pasta reaches al dente consistency and sauce thickens. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving warm.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them thinly for faster, more even cooking.
- Fresh herbs make a big difference, so grab fresh thyme and oregano if possible for brighter flavor.
- Select a good-quality Parmesan cheese and grate it fresh for the most robust taste and smooth melting texture.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without losing richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 6
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg