Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, cozy one-pan dinner packed with tender chicken, orzo, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan in a rich garlic cream sauce. It is an easy recipe for busy weeknights, comforting dinner ideas, quick family meals, and flavorful food ideas when you want something simple but special.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup dry orzo
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional for garnish
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and nearly cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in the dry orzo and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes so it picks up the flavor in the pan.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet. Add the spinach and stir until wilted.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Stir the orzo often while it simmers so it cooks evenly and does not stick to the pan.
Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating leftovers because the orzo will continue to absorb liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 105mg