Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish combining tender chicken breast pieces with a rich orzo pasta cooked in a savory sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan. Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy skillet meal incorporates fresh spinach and a hint of lemon juice for brightness, making it a comforting yet easy dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 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
For the Orzo:
- 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
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken pieces 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, turning occasionally, until lightly golden but not fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Prepare Flavor Base: Lower the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring often until the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Cook Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the fresh spinach and stir for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and is well incorporated into the sauce.
- Finish Cooking Chicken and Season: Return the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, adjusting to taste. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a smooth, creamy sauce, melt the Parmesan cheese over low heat to avoid graininess.
- Use 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for a mild citrus flavor or up to 2 teaspoons for a more pronounced lemon brightness.
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add optimal flavor; if using dry sun-dried tomatoes, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften before chopping.
- The orzo will thicken as it cools. When reheating leftovers, add a little chicken broth or water to restore the creamy texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Do not freeze, as the orzo becomes overly soft upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, creamy chicken orzo, one pan chicken dinner, sun-dried tomatoes recipe, quick chicken dinner
