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One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo Recipe

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4.2 from 7 reviews

This One-Pan ‘Marry Me’ Chicken Orzo is a creamy, savory dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian spices, simmered together with orzo pasta in a fragrant broth, finished with creamy coconut milk or heavy cream, spinach, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal made entirely in one skillet for easy preparation and cleanup.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 1.5 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken breast, cut into cubes
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 4-5 Cloves Garlic, mashed
  • ¾ Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, packed in oil and drained
  • 2 Teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 Teaspoons Paprika
  • ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

Orzo and Liquids

  • 1 Cup Orzo
  • 2 ¾ Cups Chicken Broth or Water
  • ¾ Cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 2 Large Handfuls Fresh Spinach
  • ¾ Cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and cut them into cubes. Set aside while you prepare the skillet.
  2. Heat the Skillet and Oil: Place a skillet on the stove over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges begin to brown and cook through slightly but not fully cooked yet.
  4. Add Flavorings: Incorporate the sun-dried tomatoes, mashed garlic cloves, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper into the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
  5. Add Orzo and Broth: Stir in the orzo pasta and pour in the chicken broth or water. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  6. Simmer Covered: Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan with a lid, and allow the orzo to cook for about 12 minutes. Every few minutes, lift the lid and stir to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
  7. Add Cream and Spinach: Once the orzo is tender and cooked through, stir in the full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream along with the fresh spinach. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts completely.
  8. Add Parmesan Cheese: Finally, mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the dish.
  9. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your creamy, flavorful one-pan chicken orzo meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor or to make it lighter.
  • Using full-fat coconut milk gives a subtle coconut flavor; using heavy cream results in a richer, more traditional creamy texture.
  • If sun-dried tomatoes are not packed in oil, you may need to add a little extra olive oil when cooking.
  • Stirring frequently while cooking orzo prevents it from sticking and ensures even cooking.
  • This recipe can be made with thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/one-pan-marry-me-chicken-orzo-recipe/