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ONE PAN “MARRY ME” CHICKEN ORZO Recipe

ONE PAN “MARRY ME” CHICKEN ORZO Recipe

4.9 from 23 reviews

This one-pan ‘Marry Me’ Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast cubes, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and orzo pasta cooked together in a rich garlic and parmesan-infused sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Vegetables

  • 1.5 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into cubes
  • 45 Cloves Garlic, mashed
  • ¾ Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, packed in oil and drained
  • 2 Large Handfuls Fresh Spinach

Dry Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 Teaspoons Italian Seasoning
  • 2 Teaspoons Paprika
  • ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Pantry & Liquids

  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 Cup Orzo
  • 2 ¾ Cups Chicken Broth or Water
  • ¾ Cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream
  • ¾ Cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and cut into cubes. Set aside to prepare the skillet.
  2. Heat the Oil: Place a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges start to turn opaque and slightly browned.
  4. Add Flavorings: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, mashed garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for an additional 3-4 minutes, merging the flavors.
  5. Add Orzo and Broth: Pour in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
  6. Simmer Covered: Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook for 12 minutes. Remove the cover every few minutes to stir, preventing the orzo from sticking to the pan.
  7. Add Cream and Spinach: Once the orzo is tender and the liquid mostly absorbed, stir in the full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream along with the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts.
  8. Finish with Parmesan: Mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
  9. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your delicious one-pan meal!

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken broth with water, but broth adds more flavor.
  • Using full-fat coconut milk will keep the dish dairy-free; otherwise, heavy cream adds richness.
  • Regular stirring prevents the orzo from sticking and ensures even cooking.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
  • Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
  • Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or additional Parmesan for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pan chicken orzo, marry me chicken, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato chicken, quick dinner recipe, one skillet meal