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One-Pan "Marry Me" Chicken Orzo Recipe

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3.9 from 5 reviews

One-Pan "Marry Me" Chicken Orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, combined with hearty orzo pasta. This easy one-pan recipe comes together quickly on the stovetop, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both cozy and satisfying.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 1.5 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken breast, cut into cubes
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 4-5 Cloves Garlic, mashed
  • ¾ Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, packed in oil and drained
  • 2 Teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 Teaspoons Paprika
  • ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Pasta and Liquids

  • 1 Cup Orzo
  • 2 ¾ Cups Chicken Broth or Water
  • ¾ Cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 2 Large Handfuls Fresh Spinach
  • ¾ Cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and slice them into cubes. Set them aside while preparing the skillet.
  2. Heat Oil and Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. When oil is hot, add the chicken cubes and cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges start to brown.
  3. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook together for 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld and chicken cook further.
  4. Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth, mixing well to combine all ingredients.
  5. Simmer Covered: Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan, and let it cook for 12 minutes. Remove the cover every few minutes to stir gently and prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
  6. Add Cream and Spinach: Once orzo is cooked through, stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook and stir until the spinach wilts.
  7. Finish with Parmesan: Add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir one last time until well combined and creamy.
  8. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
  • Stirring occasionally while simmering helps prevent the orzo from sticking and ensures even cooking.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using salted broth.
  • Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.