Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and orzo pasta in a savory Parmesan and cream sauce. This comforting Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines simple ingredients for a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season and Brown Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black 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 lightly golden on the outside. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same pan, then add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining ½ teaspoon of paprika. Cook while stirring frequently for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the garlic is softened.
- Cook Orzo: Stir the uncooked orzo into the skillet with the aromatics, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cream, Cheese, and Spinach: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the fresh spinach leaves and stir for 1-2 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Finish Cooking Chicken and Serve: Return the partially cooked chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Substitute orzo with another small pasta like acini di pepe if preferred.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through before serving; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Orzo, creamy chicken recipe, one-pan chicken dinner, Mediterranean chicken, orzo pasta recipe, sun-dried tomato chicken, spinach pasta skillet
