Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Introduction
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting dish filled with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. This flavorful one-pan meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- Step 1: Season the chicken 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 lightly golden on the outside. It does not need to be fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium and melt butter in the same pan. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the spinach and stir for 1-2 minutes until wilted and combined.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fully cooked through. Stir in lemon juice. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in garlic and paprika for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use fresh sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer taste, or rehydrate dry ones in warm water.
- Swap fresh spinach for kale or arugula for a different green twist.
- Add mushrooms or artichokes along with the sun-dried tomatoes for more texture.
- Reduce the heavy cream and substitute part of it with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but holds up well for quick next-day meals.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic spices, combined with tender orzo pasta simmered in a rich broth and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 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
Finishing Touches
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika to infuse flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the outside turns lightly golden but the chicken is not fully cooked through yet. Transfer the chicken to a plate to rest.
- Prepare the Flavor Base: Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same pan. Add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture becomes fragrant and well combined.
- Cook the Orzo: Stir the uncooked orzo into the pan with the flavor base, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed.
- Make It Creamy: Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the fresh spinach and stir for 1-2 minutes until wilted and evenly incorporated into the sauce.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Return the partially cooked chicken back into the pan with the orzo and sauce. Cook together for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through. Stir in the lemon juice for a fresh pop of flavor. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Notes
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness of the dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, tangy flavor but can be substituted with roasted red peppers for a different twist.
- The red pepper flakes are optional if you prefer a milder dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Make sure to not overcook the chicken during the initial sear, as it will finish cooking with the orzo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Orzo, creamy chicken pasta, one-pan chicken recipe, sun-dried tomato chicken, easy chicken dinner
