ONE PAN “MARRY ME” CHICKEN ORZO Recipe
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.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Protein & Vegetables
- 1.5 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into cubes
- 4–5 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
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and cut into cubes. Set aside to prepare the skillet.
- Heat the Oil: Place a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Pour in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finish with Parmesan: Mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: one pan chicken orzo, marry me chicken, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato chicken, quick dinner recipe, one skillet meal