One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe

Introduction

One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Combining tender chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and cheesy orzo, this recipe promises a delicious meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained if in oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
• 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
• 2 large handfuls fresh spinach
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the chicken dry and cut it into cubes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges start to brown.
2. Step 2: Add the sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, then add the orzo and chicken broth. Stir well and reduce the heat to medium.
3. Step 3: Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the orzo needs extra time, continue cooking until tender.
4. Step 4: Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for another minute until the spinach wilts, then add the Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat, serve immediately, and enjoy a creamy, comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of coconut milk, or mix both for a subtle coconut touch.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra brightness before serving.
• Swap spinach for kale or arugula for a different leafy green texture and taste.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, sprinkle in red pepper flakes along with the seasonings.
• Use vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian by substituting chicken with tofu or mushrooms.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as it warms.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken or fully thaw frozen chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.

Is it necessary to use sun-dried tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated, tangy flavor, but you can substitute with roasted red peppers or omit them if unavailable, though the dish’s flavor will be milder.

One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 66 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast cubes cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasonings. Combined with creamy coconut milk or heavy cream, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese, this easy one-pan meal delivers a delicious blend of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken & Seasoning

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained if packed in oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Orzo & Liquids

• 1 cup orzo
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
• 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream

Vegetables & Cheese

• 2 large handfuls fresh spinach
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels and cut into bite-sized cubes. This ensures even cooking and better browning.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken cubes and cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges start to brown, sealing in the juices.
3. Add Flavorings: Stir in minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes to allow the garlic to soften and the flavors to meld.
4. Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine. Reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet. Let the orzo simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the orzo needs extra time, continue cooking until tender.
5. Finish with Cream and Spinach: Once the orzo is cooked through, stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for about 1 minute until the spinach wilts.
6. Add Cheese and Serve: Incorporate the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and evenly distributed. Remove from heat, plate your dish, and enjoy a creamy, wholesome meal made in one pan.

Notes

• Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil should be drained well to avoid extra oil in the dish.
• Use full-fat coconut milk for a rich, creamy texture or substitute with heavy cream for a dairy option.
• If the orzo absorbs all liquid before cooking through, add a splash of water or broth and continue cooking until tender.
• This dish can be made dairy-free by using coconut milk and omitting the Parmesan cheese or replacing it with a dairy-free alternative.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: one pan chicken orzo, creamy chicken orzo, easy dinner recipe, sun-dried tomato chicken, quick stovetop meal