One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

why make this recipe

This dish cooks in one pan and saves time. It gives you tender chicken, creamy orzo, and bright sun-dried tomato flavor. It uses simple ingredients and makes a filling weeknight meal.

introduction

One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is easy to make and tastes rich but not heavy. The recipe cooks in one skillet and cleans up fast. If you like quick chicken dinners, try this honey sesame chicken recipe for another simple option.

how to make One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Start by cutting the chicken into cubes and patting it dry. Brown the chicken in olive oil, then add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spices. Stir in the orzo and chicken broth, cover, and simmer until the orzo is tender. Finish with coconut milk or cream, fresh spinach, and Parmesan. Stir and serve hot.

Ingredients :

• 1.5 pounds boneless (skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained if in oil)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
• 2 large handfuls fresh spinach
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions :

1. Pat the chicken dry and cut it into cubes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes until the edges start to brown.
3. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes.
4. Add the orzo and broth. Stir well and reduce the heat to medium.
5. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo might need a little extra time; that is okay.
6. Once the orzo is cooked through, add the coconut milk or cream and spinach. Stir for another minute until the spinach wilts.
7. Add the Parmesan cheese and give it a final stir.
8. Remove the skillet from heat, plate up, and serve.

how to serve One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Spoon the orzo and chicken onto plates while hot. Add extra Parmesan on top if you like. Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal.

how to store One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Cool the dish to room temperature, then put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

tips to make One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

• Cut chicken into even pieces so they cook the same.
• Use a wide skillet so the orzo cooks evenly.
• Stir the orzo a few times while simmering to stop it from sticking.
• If you want a richer sauce, use heavy cream; for a lighter option, use coconut milk or more broth.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.

variation (if any)

• Add mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
• Swap spinach for kale, but cook a bit longer so the kale softens.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer taste; drain less if you want more oil in the pan.
• Replace Parmesan with pecorino or a blend of cheeses for a different finish.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
A: Yes. Cut thighs into pieces and cook until they reach 165°F (74°C). They add more flavor and stay moist.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use full-fat coconut milk and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Q: What if my orzo is not done after 12 minutes?
A: Add a little more broth or water, cover, and cook a few more minutes. Stir now and then to prevent sticking.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Freezing is not ideal because the cream or coconut milk can change texture. You can freeze without the cream, then add fresh cream when reheating.

Q: Can I make this in advance for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge and reheat within 2–3 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating to refresh the sauce.

One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Poultry

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Description

A quick and easy one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, creamy orzo, and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained if in oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
• 2 large handfuls fresh spinach
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry and cut it into cubes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes until the edges start to brown.
3. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes.
4. Add the orzo and broth. Stir well and reduce the heat to medium.
5. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo might need a little extra time; that is okay.
6. Once the orzo is cooked through, add the coconut milk or cream and spinach. Stir for another minute until the spinach wilts.
7. Add the Parmesan cheese and give it a final stir.
8. Remove the skillet from heat, plate up, and serve.

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Notes

For a richer sauce, use heavy cream; for a lighter option, use coconut milk or more broth.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg