When it comes to weeknight dinners, we all crave something that’s comforting, delicious, and—most importantly—easy to make. Enter the One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo: a dish so good, it might just inspire a proposal.
With tender chicken breasts, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and hearty orzo, this recipe is a flavorful twist on the classic “Marry Me” chicken. And the best part? It all comes together in a single pan in under an hour, making cleanup a breeze. Let’s dive into this culinary love story!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about meals that combine simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This recipe hits all the marks:
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes mean more time to relax after dinner.
- Rich and Creamy: The sun-dried tomato sauce paired with coconut milk or heavy cream is indulgent yet balanced.
- Family-Friendly: With flavors that appeal to kids and adults alike, this dish is perfect for family dinners.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible dish:
- Chicken: 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves, mashed for that aromatic punch.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ¾ cup, packed in oil and drained for a tangy depth of flavor.
- Seasonings: 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons paprika, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper.
- Orzo: 1 cup of this tiny pasta for a hearty base.
- Broth or Water: 2¾ cups to cook the orzo perfectly.
- Creaminess: ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream for that luscious texture.
- Spinach: Two large handfuls of fresh spinach for added nutrition.
- Parmesan Cheese: ¾ cup freshly grated for the ultimate cheesy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking this dish is as easy as following these simple steps:
1. Prep Your Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and cutting them into bite-sized cubes. This helps them cook evenly and absorb all those delicious flavors.
2. Sauté the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the chicken cubes and cook for 2–3 minutes until the edges start to brown.
3. Build the Flavor
Add the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3–4 minutes. The aroma will be irresistible!
4. Cook the Orzo
Pour in the orzo and chicken broth (or water) and stir well. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 12 minutes. Be sure to stir every few minutes to prevent the orzo from sticking to the skillet.
5. Add Creaminess
Once the orzo is cooked through, stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream along with the fresh spinach. The spinach will wilt beautifully as you mix it in.
6. Finish with Cheese
Finally, sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and give it one last stir. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a rich and velvety finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately. Whether you’re dining solo or sharing with loved ones, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Tips for Success
Want to make this recipe even better? Here are some pro tips:
- Customize Your Cream: While coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness, heavy cream creates a more traditional richness. Choose based on your preference!
- Don’t Skip Stirring: Stirring every few minutes while cooking the orzo ensures it doesn’t stick to the pan or clump together.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or fresh basil for extra flavor.
- Pair It Up: Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Nutritional Breakdown
Curious about how this dish stacks up nutritionally? Here’s a quick snapshot per serving:
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
With plenty of protein and a good balance of carbs and fats, this dish is satisfying without being overly indulgent.
Why Is It Called “Marry Me” Chicken?
The name “Marry Me” chicken stems from its reputation as a dish so delicious it could inspire marriage proposals! While this version swaps out traditional pasta for orzo and adds spinach for a healthy twist, it still retains all the creamy, savory goodness that makes people fall head over heels.
Make Tonight Special
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or someone you love, One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo is bound to be a hit. With its rich flavors, easy preparation, and comforting vibes, it’s no wonder people keep coming back to this recipe time and time again.
So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking—you might just fall in love with dinner tonight!
Printne-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo
This One-Pan ‘Marry Me’ Chicken Orzo is a cozy, creamy weeknight dinner made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and orzo in a rich, cheesy sauce. All made in just one pan for easy cleanup!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
- Diet: High-Protein
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 cup orzo
- 2 ¾ cups chicken broth or water
- ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- 2 large handfuls fresh spinach
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and cut into cubes.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes until edges begin to cook.
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes.
5. Stir in orzo and broth.
6. Cover and cook on medium heat for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add coconut milk or heavy cream and spinach; stir until wilted.
8. Stir in grated parmesan until melted and combined.
9. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Perfect for meal prep and reheats well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
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