Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! This Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo is one of those dishes that’s so simple yet packed with flavor, it’ll have you swooning at first bite. I remember the first time I made this for a cozy dinner with friends, and they all couldn’t stop raving about it! It’s a one-pan wonder that brings together tender ground chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and vibrant veggies, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or a special occasion. Plus, it’s so quick to whip up—who doesn’t love that? Trust me, this dish will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine!

Ingredients List

1 pound ground chicken
1 cup orzo pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Prepare Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo

Let’s dive right into making this fabulous dish! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly everything comes together. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

Start by grabbing a large skillet—trust me, you want something that can hold all those delicious ingredients. Heat up the olive oil over medium heat. This is important because medium heat allows the vegetables to soften nicely without burning. You don’t want a smoky kitchen, right?

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté these beauties for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re nice and soft. You’ll know they’re ready when the onion turns translucent and starts to smell oh-so-good!

Step 3: Add Garlic

Now, it’s time to add the minced garlic. Stir it in and let it cook for just 1 minute. This step is crucial because garlic brings a burst of flavor that lifts the entire dish. Just be careful not to let it burn; we want it fragrant, not bitter!

Step 4: Cook the Ground Chicken

Next, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up, cooking until it’s browned all over. This should take about 5-6 minutes. Keep an eye on it and make sure there are no pink spots left; we want it fully cooked and safe to eat!

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time for the fun part! Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat a bit. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld those flavors together beautifully.

Step 6: Cook the Orzo

Here’s where the magic really happens! Stir in the orzo pasta, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it and give it a stir now and then. You’ll know it’s ready when the orzo is tender and has absorbed all that delicious broth.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finally, it’s time to plate up your creation! Garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve it hot, and watch as everyone falls in love with this dish—trust me, it’s hard to resist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation time—ready in just 30 minutes!
One-pan wonder for easy cleanup; less fuss, more flavor!
Hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Packed with protein from ground chicken to keep you full.
Vibrant veggies add color and nutrition to your plate.
Make it your own by adjusting seasonings to taste.
Leftovers reheat beautifully for a tasty lunch the next day.
Kid-friendly flavors that even picky eaters will love!

Tips for Success

Don’t rush the sautéing: Let those veggies soften properly! It builds a flavor base that makes your dish sing.
Use a non-stick skillet: This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking, making cleanup a breeze!
Watch the garlic: Garlic can go from perfect to burnt in a flash. Stir it in just before adding the chicken for the best flavor.
Check your orzo: Give it a taste test a minute or two before the suggested time. You want it al dente, not mushy!
Adjust seasoning: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your taste. Cooking is all about personalizing it!
Garnish generously: Fresh parsley adds not just color but a delightful freshness that brightens the dish—don’t skimp!
Leftover love: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll taste great the next day!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve done my best to provide accurate estimates, these numbers are just guidelines. For a typical serving of Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo, you can expect around 400 calories and 30 grams of protein. But remember, everyone’s kitchen is a bit different, and adjustments in ingredients can affect the final nutrition. Always feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences!

FAQ Section

Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! While I love using ground chicken for its lean quality, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey or even lean beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly!

What should I do if I don’t have orzo?
No worries! You can swap orzo for other small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or even rice. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since different grains might require slight adjustments.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook it a day in advance, just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all, unless you choose to add red pepper flakes! The flavors are warm and comforting, making it great for all ages. If you like a kick, feel free to spice it up to your liking!

How do I store leftovers?
Just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either microwave it or warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

Can I freeze Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo?
Yes! This dish freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What’s the best way to serve this dish?
I love serving it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top and a side of crusty bread. You could also pair it with a simple salad for a delightful, balanced meal!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers of this delicious Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo is super easy! Just grab an airtight container and transfer any uneaten portions into it. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Trust me, you’ll want to enjoy every last bite!

When it comes to reheating, there are a couple of simple methods you can use. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave is your best friend. Just pop your serving in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely (to avoid splatters—yikes!), and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through.

If you prefer the stovetop method, simply add your leftover orzo to a skillet over medium heat. You might want to splash in a little chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out—nobody wants a sad, dry dish! Stir until it’s heated through, and you’re good to go!

And remember, if you made a big batch and want to save some for later, you can freeze it! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’ll be good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned. Easy peasy!

Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo: 7 Simple Steps to Delight

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious recipe featuring ground chicken and orzo pasta.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and bell pepper, sauté until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add ground chicken, cooking until browned.
Mix in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then stir in orzo.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Can substitute ground turkey if desired.
For added heat, include red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo

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