Let me tell you, *Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo* has quickly become one of my go-to recipes! It’s so simple yet bursting with flavor that it feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of juicy ground chicken, tender orzo, and vibrant veggies creates a symphony of tastes and textures that you just can’t resist. Every time I make this, I’m reminded of cozy family dinners and the smiles that follow each bite. Trust me, once you try this dish, you might just want to marry it too!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken – lean and flavorful, the star of the show!
- 1 cup orzo pasta – tiny pasta that cooks up beautifully and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing and adding a touch of richness.
- 1 onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 bell pepper, diced – any color works here, just for that extra crunch and color.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces) – brings juiciness and acidity to balance the dish.
- 2 cups chicken broth – the savory base that ties everything together.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a delightful herb blend that adds a touch of Mediterranean flair.
- Salt and pepper to taste – a must for enhancing all the flavors!
- Fresh parsley for garnish – a pop of freshness to finish it off.
How to Prepare *Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo*
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and hot but not smoking—just enough to make your kitchen smell amazing!
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. This step is crucial for building a solid flavor base!
- Now, add the minced garlic to the pan and give it a stir. Cook for just 1 minute—be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin your dish!
- Next up, it’s time for the star of the show: the ground chicken! Add it to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-7 minutes.
- Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Bring this beautiful mixture to a boil—it’s where all those flavors start to mingle!
- Once boiling, add the orzo pasta, stirring it in gently. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll want to check occasionally to make sure the orzo doesn’t stick!
- When the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, remove it from the heat. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that delightful pop of color and freshness. And voila! You’ve got yourself a delicious bowl of *Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo*! Serve it up and enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- One-pot wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to relax after dinner.
- Packed with flavor and nutrition, thanks to the ground chicken and vibrant veggies.
- Comforting and filling, making it a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
- Customizable to your taste—add more veggies or spice it up with red pepper flakes!
- Low-fat and balanced, so you can enjoy without the guilt.
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, here are my top tips to make sure your *Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo* turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Don’t skip the sautéing! Sautéing the onions and bell peppers is crucial for developing that deep, rich flavor base. Take your time with this step—it’s worth every minute!
- Use fresh herbs! If you have fresh parsley on hand, go for it! It really elevates the dish and adds a burst of freshness. Dried herbs work too, but fresh is always better if you can manage it.
- Adjust the broth! Depending on how saucy or creamy you like your orzo, you can adjust the amount of chicken broth. If you want a thicker consistency, use a bit less broth, or let it simmer longer. Just keep an eye on it!
- Try different proteins! If you’re not a fan of ground chicken, no worries! Ground turkey or even ground beef will work fabulously. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if you’re using a different meat.
- Watch the orzo! Orzo can overcook quickly, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of simmering. You want it tender but still with a slight bite—al dente is the way to go!
- Spice it up! If you like a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when you add the tomatoes. It adds a lovely warmth without overwhelming the dish!
- Taste as you go! Don’t forget to taste your mixture as you cook! Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Each ingredient enhances the final flavor, so trust your taste buds!
With these tips, you’ll be a pro at making *Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo* in no time! Enjoy the cooking adventure and the delicious outcome!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of *Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo*. Keep in mind that these values are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein, making it a fantastic option for a wholesome meal. Enjoy knowing you’re nourishing your body while indulging in something tasty!
FAQ About *Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo*
I know you might have a few questions about making this delicious dish, so let’s dive into some of the most common ones I get!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While orzo is perfect for this recipe, you can swap it out for other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even elbow macaroni. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary a bit!
What if I don’t have ground chicken?
No worries at all! Ground turkey or ground beef works wonderfully here too. Just remember, the cooking times may differ slightly depending on the meat you choose!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Is this recipe freezable?
It sure is! After it’s completely cooled, you can freeze *Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo* in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3 days. Just remember to reheat gently, so the orzo doesn’t turn mushy!
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Feel free to sneak in some spinach, zucchini, or even peas for extra nutrition and color. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them vibrant and fresh!
How spicy is this dish?
It’s quite mild as is, but if you love a kick, you can easily amp up the heat with some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Just sprinkle in as much as you like when you add the tomatoes!
I hope these answers help you feel more confident in making your own *Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo*! If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep your delicious *Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo* fresh and tasty! After you’ve enjoyed your meal, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for about 3 days, but trust me, they’ll be gone before then!
If you want to store it for a bit longer, you can absolutely freeze this dish! Once it’s completely cooled, just transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Now, for reheating, you’ve got a couple of options. If you’re warming it up on the stovetop, just place it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it from drying out and stir occasionally until it’s heated through. This method helps maintain that lovely flavor and texture!
If you prefer using the microwave, transfer your desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s hot. The paper towel helps create steam and keeps it nice and moist.
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last bite of your *Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo* even after the first serving. Enjoy!
Call to Action
Now that you’ve whipped up your own batch of *Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo*, I can’t wait to hear all about it! Did you add your own twist? Was it a hit with your family? Please, drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out! I love hearing your stories and feedback—it truly makes my day!
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to give it a rating! Your support helps me share more delicious recipes with all of you. And hey, if you’re on social media, snap a pic of your creation and tag me! I’d love to see your beautiful dishes. Happy cooking, friends! Let’s keep this delicious journey going together!
For more delicious recipes, check out my blog or explore this healthy cheesecake recipe for a delightful dessert option!
Print
Marry Me Ground Chicken Orzo: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore It
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious recipe featuring ground chicken and orzo pasta.
Ingredients
- 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
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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