Description

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast cooked with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs, combined with orzo pasta simmered in a flavorful chicken broth and finished with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and a hint of lemon juice for brightness.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

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)

Cooking Fats and Aromatics

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced

Flavorings and Vegetables

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta and Liquids

1 cup uncooked orzo
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Greens and Finishing Touches

2 cups fresh spinach
1–2 teaspoons lemon juice

Instructions

Season and Brown 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 not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
Cook Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon paprika. Sauté for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently until fragrant.
Simmer Orzo: Stir the uncooked orzo into the skillet, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Add Cream and Spinach: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the fresh spinach and stir for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and well incorporated into the sauce.
Finish Cooking Chicken: Return the partially cooked chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Serve: Serve the creamy orzo chicken dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit if sensitive to spice.
Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby kale or other greens as preferred.
If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
Ensure to cook the chicken pieces fully during the last step to avoid undercooked poultry.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Orzo, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, One-Pan Meal, Easy Dinner