Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe

Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach with comforting orzo pasta. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (can use thighs or tenders)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 Tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar
• ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil drained and reserved, can chop if large)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup orzo pasta (measured uncooked)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups packed baby spinach
• ½ cup freshly grated or shredded parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Toss to combine evenly.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, without fully cooking through.
3. Step 3: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and add the orzo. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10-13 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Once the orzo is tender, stir in the heavy cream, baby spinach, and parmesan cheese. Let the spinach wilt slightly in the warm mixture.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat, garnish with extra parmesan, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful dish.
• Chop sun-dried tomatoes smaller if they come in large pieces to distribute flavor evenly.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream.
• Add red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a bright finish.

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 cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried or fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated flavor and a chewy texture that fresh or dried tomatoes can’t replicate exactly. If needed, you can substitute with diced roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomato paste for a similar depth.

Is orzo the best pasta for this dish?

Orzo works best because it cooks quickly and blends well with the sauce and chicken. Small pasta like acini di pepe or small shells are good alternatives if orzo is unavailable.

Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4.5 from 103 reviews

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach with delicate orzo pasta in a savory parmesan sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a delightful Italian-inspired dish that is both comforting and quick to prepare.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (can use thighs or tenders)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Base

• 2 Tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar
• ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil drained and reserved (can chop if large)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Orzo and Sauce

• 2 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup orzo pasta (measured uncooked)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups packed baby spinach
• ½ cup freshly grated or shredded parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss 1.5 pounds of bite-sized chicken breast pieces with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder until evenly coated.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned but not fully cooked through.
3. Add spices and garlic: Stir in ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Cook the orzo: Pour in 2 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth and add 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10-13 minutes until the orzo is tender, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking.
5. Finish with cream and greens: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream, 2 cups packed baby spinach, and ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese. Allow the spinach to wilt slightly while mixing thoroughly.
6. Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese, and serve hot for a hearty and creamy meal.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs or tenders instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
• Make sure to stir the orzo occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the skillet.
• If sun-dried tomatoes are large, chop them before adding to the skillet for better distribution.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and texture.

Keywords: marry me chicken, creamy chicken orzo, one pan chicken recipes, sun-dried tomato chicken, quick dinner, Italian chicken recipe