Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with orzo pasta in a flavorful sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. This skillet recipe combines vibrant Mediterranean flavors with a rich, velvety texture perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce and Pasta
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until the outside is lightly golden, but the chicken isn’t fully cooked through yet. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining ½ teaspoon paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently until the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Cook Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed by the pasta.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce turns smooth and creamy. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts and blends into the sauce.
- Finish Cooking Chicken and Serve: Return the partially cooked chicken back to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through. Stir in lemon juice for brightness. Serve the dish hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, feel free to add more red pepper flakes.
- Substitute spinach with kale or arugula if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- If you want a lighter version, reduce or omit heavy cream and substitute with half-and-half or milk, but texture will be less creamy.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
- Ensure the orzo is not overcooked to avoid mushy pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Orzo, Creamy Chicken and Pasta, One-Pan Dinner, Mediterranean Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
