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

Scale

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