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One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4 from 65 reviews

One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender cubed chicken breasts simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian spices in a luscious sauce with orzo pasta. This easy stovetop recipe comes together quickly in a single skillet, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

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

Greens and Cheese

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and slice them into cubes. Set aside while you prepare the skillet.
  2. Heat the Oil and Cook Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once hot, add the cubed chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges start to cook and turn opaque.
  3. Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Add the sun-dried tomatoes, mashed garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper to the skillet. Cook everything together for an additional 3-4 minutes to develop flavor.
  4. Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and pour in the chicken broth or water. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Simmer Covered: Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 12 minutes, removing the lid every few minutes to stir carefully. This prevents the orzo from sticking and ensures even cooking.
  6. Add Cream and Spinach: Once the orzo is tender and cooked through, pour in the coconut milk or heavy cream and add the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
  7. Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Remove from heat immediately.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the dish while hot and enjoy this rich, creamy, and satisfying one-pan meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
  • Be sure to stir the orzo occasionally while covered to avoid sticking or burning on the bottom of the pan.
  • Adding fresh spinach at the end preserves its color and nutrients.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/one-pan-marry-me-chicken-orzo-recipe/