Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo) is always a winner at my house as it saves me time in the kitchen, and I know my family will enjoy the tasty homestyle flavours. Even better, you can vary the ingredients to use up what you have in the fridge or pantry, and the vegetables can easily be “hidden” (by cutting them small) if you have fussy eaters. Although delicious year-round, this comforting meal is the ideal winter warmer. You might want to make a double batch, as the family will be fighting over the leftovers the next day!
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Risoni?
This is really a full meal in a dish, but you could serve it with some 5 Minute Cheesy Garlic Bread or Freezer Friendly Garlic Bread. If you wanted to up the vegetables, I would simply add more vegetables to the actual dish (see the customising tips below).
Can I customise Marry Me Chicken Risoni to suit my family’s tastes?
You could easily add other vegetables to this dish, such as small broccoli florets, sliced asparagus, sliced green beans, peas, shredded kale or diced zucchini (courgette). You could also use other small pasta shapes instead of risoni (orzo), but check them and cook for a little longer if required. Boneless, skinless chicken breast can be used instead of thighs. If you wanted, you could even spice up the dish by adding 1 tablespoon of chilli flakes at the same time as the garlic, or spice lovers could sprinkle their portion with chilli flakes at time of serving.
Tips for cooking “one-pan pasta” with success
To make a one-pan pasta dish (where the pasta is cooked in the pan with the sauce), it’s important that you use a heavy-based piece of cookware, such as a heavy-based (cast-iron) casserole dish or a heavy-based, deep frying pan. Thin cookware will not heat evenly and may leave you with too much or too little liquid. The liquid needs to be simmering the entire time (gently with small bubbles) so that the pasta cooks through. If it isn’t, modify the heat by turning it up or down slightly to maintain that simmer.
Watch how to make Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo)
What are some other quick and easy one-pan dinner ideas?
If you enjoy this comforting quick chicken dish, you’ll probably love:Creamy Tomato Chicken Risoni (Orzo)Creamy Chicken Pesto GnocchiCrispy Sesame Chicken and Fried RiceSpinach and Ricotta Tortellini No reviews Note 2 – If you feel the risoni is too stiff (it’s not saucy and is clumping together more than you would like), simply add 1–2 tbsp at a time of boiling water from the kettle, stirring the sauce rapidly. This will loosen the mixture.
Make ahead:
Dice the chicken and refrigerate it in an airtight container, ready for when you need it (up until the chicken expiry date).
Leftovers:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Upon reheating, you may find that the oils separate from the cream, but the taste is equally delicious! This recipe is not suitable to freeze as the risoni changes texture and turns mushy.
Recipe source:
My source of inspiration for this recipe was Kale Junkie. You can view the original recipe here. I made adjustments to the seasoning, liquid to risoni (orzo) ratio and also chose to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which I find stay juicier and more tender throughout the cooking process.
