Are you ready to fall in love… with your dinner? Today, we’re whipping up a dish so irresistible, it might just lead to a proposal! Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re about to create a healthier twist on the famous ‘Marry Me Chicken’ with a special low-carb orzo.
Once you’ve tried this recipe, it may become your favorite weeknight dinner recipe. It’s that quick and simple. When I made it for Farmer Fred he asked me the next night if I would make it again. Now I make it about once a week.
What you Will Learn
- Master the one-skillet technique to create a flavorful, low-carb “Marry Me Chicken” with perfectly cooked orzo, balancing convenience with gourmet results.
- Discover smart ingredient swaps and portion control strategies to boost nutrition without sacrificing the indulgent taste of this comforting dish.
- Explore creative adaptations for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy this versatile and delicious meal.
- The difference between Total Carbs and Net Carbs.
This page contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click a link, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Chicken breast: Lean protein source that supports muscle maintenance and repair, crucial for healthy aging.
Olive oil: Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, promoting cardiovascular health.
Garlic: Contains allicin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Heavy cream: Provides fat-soluble vitamins and conjugated linoleic acid, which may have anti-inflammatory benefits (use in moderation).
Chicken broth: Offers hydration and essential minerals while adding flavor without excess calories.
Parmesan cheese: Good source of calcium and protein, supporting bone health in older adults.
- Instant Clearjel optional thickener.
Italian seasoning: Blend of herbs rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
Red pepper flakes: Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and have anti-inflammatory effects.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Concentrated source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain cancers. Instead of Sun-dried tomatoes you can use Oven Roasted Tomatoes.
Orzo: Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, but can be substituted with lower-carb alternatives for stricter diets.
Fresh basil: Packed with vitamins K and A, supporting bone health and vision.
Low Carb Alternatives to Orzo Pasta
Several low-carb alternatives to traditional orzo pasta can help you maintain a lower carbohydrate intake while still enjoying pasta-like dishes. Here are some options:
Cauliflower Rice: This versatile vegetable can be finely chopped to resemble orzo’s size and texture. It’s an excellent low-carb, gluten-free option that works well in many dishes.
Shirataki Noodles: Made from konjac yam, these noodles are very low in calories and carbs. They have a chewy texture and can be used in various dishes as an orzo substitute.
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Not exactly orzo-shaped, spiralized zucchini can be a great low-carb pasta alternative in many recipes
Spaghetti Squash: Another vegetable-based option, spaghetti squash can be used in place of orzo in certain dishes.
Quinoa: While not as low in carbs as the vegetable options, quinoa is a protein-rich seed that can be a good substitute for orzo in many recipes. It’s gluten-free and has a lower glycemic index than traditional pasta.
Legume-based Pasta: Some brands offer pasta made from chickpeas, lentils, or black beans. These options are higher in protein and fiber than traditional pasta, which can help balance out the carb content.
Step by Step Instructions for Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Cook the Orzo: In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. Add the instant clearjel to the Parmesan cheese before adding it to the sauce. Mix it into the cheese. This is optional but will thicken the sauce and is a low-carb alternative to flour as a thickenig agent.
Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Add Orzo: Gently fold the cooked orzo into the sauce, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it warm through for 1-2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the dish before serving.
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Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Equipment
- This page contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click a link, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you
- To see the ingredient amounts in metric units, click the blue "METRIC:" button between the ingredients and the instructions for this recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 8 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp extra virgin organic olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp instant clearjel
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup either sun-dried or oven-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup low carb orzo pasta
- 2 cups water or low-salt chicken broth for cooking the orzo
- Fresh Basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with a chicken rub or salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. Add the instant clearjel to the Parmesan cheese and mix it into the cheese. This is an optional low-carb thickener for the sauce.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Plate the Dish: Add 1/2 cup cooked orzo to each plate, top with a chicken breast Spoon the sauce over the chicken and orzo. Split the sauce between the four plates. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
FAQ:
Q: What makes this version of ‘Marry Me Chicken’ healthier?
A: This recipe swaps out traditional high-carb ingredients for low-carb alternatives, including a low-carb orzo substitute while still keeping the creamy, indulgent flavors.
Q: What is the difference between Total Carbs and Net Carbs?
A: Total Carbs include all carbohydrates in a food, while Net Carbs subtract fiber and certain sugar alcohols, which have less impact on blood sugar levels.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! You can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and swap Parmesan cheese for a nutritional yeast-based alternative.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just use a gluten-free orzo substitute, such as hearts of palm pasta, konjac noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Q: Can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?
A: Yes! Replace the chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or a plant-based protein while keeping the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Q: How can I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s texture.
