Name: Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One Pan, 30 Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice

Ingredients

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

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

2 cups fresh spinach

1-2 teaspoons lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, until lightly golden on the outside but not fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate.

Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same pan. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining ½ teaspoon paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in the orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add spinach and stir for 1-2 minutes until wilted and fully incorporated.

Step 5: Return the chicken to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in lemon juice. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

Tips & Variations

Melt the Parmesan gently over low heat in the sauce to avoid a grainy texture.

Adjust lemon juice to taste—1 teaspoon for subtle brightness or up to 2 teaspoons for a more pronounced citrus flavor.

Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best flavor. If using dry tomatoes, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before chopping.

If reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, as the orzo thickens over time.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time slightly if pieces are larger.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The flavor and creaminess will differ but still be delicious.