One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo

To make One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo, start by seasoning 1 lb of chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for about a minute, then stir in Italian seasoning. Pour in low-sodium chicken broth and almond milk, then add 1 cup of orzo. Bring to a gentle simmer, return the chicken to the pot, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Finally, stir in grated Parmesan and fresh spinach until wilted, and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil.

One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo contains orzo, which is a type of pasta and not low-carb. If you're looking for a low-carb alternative, consider substituting the orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. This will help maintain the dish's creamy texture while reducing the carbohydrate content.

If you don't have almond milk on hand, you can easily substitute it with regular milk, coconut milk, or any other plant-based milk like soy or oat milk. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened variety to keep the flavors balanced in the dish.

To store leftovers of One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo, let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creaminess.

One Pan High Protein Marry Me Chicken & Orzo is a hearty dish on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette can complement the creamy flavors of the chicken and orzo nicely.