This One-Pan Marry Me Chicken with Orzo is a dreamy dish! It features juicy chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with tender orzo pasta—comfort food at its finest!
I swear, this meal is so good it might just make someone pop the question! 😂 It’s easy to make and clean up, which means more time enjoying the deliciousness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast works well too. For a richer flavor, try using chicken thighs, which are juicier.
Orzo: This little pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors nicely. If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute with rice or any small pasta shape like ditalini or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
Chicken Broth: For more flavor, homemade chicken broth is an excellent choice. If you’re short on time, low-sodium store-bought broth is fine too. Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth for a vegetarian dish, just adjust the seasoning.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of flavor. If you can’t find them, you could use roasted red peppers or even fresh tomatoes (just sauté them a bit longer to break them down).
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream makes the dish creamy, you can swap it with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut milk adds creaminess with a hint of sweetness.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Browned?
Achieving that nice golden brown on the chicken is crucial for flavor. Start with a hot skillet; preheat it to medium-high to get a good sear. Here’s how:
- Make sure the chicken pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove moisture—this helps get a good sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed to let the chicken brown properly.
- Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes, then flip to brown the other side.
Once browned, set it aside to prevent overcooking while you prepare the rest of the dish. Trust me, these steps make a noticeable difference!
How to Make One-Pan Marry Me Chicken with Orzo?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious One-Pan Marry Me Chicken with Orzo takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook it until browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. When it’s done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an extra minute or until it smells delicious and fragrant.
3. Add Orzo and Broth:
Next, you’ll want to mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the orzo pasta. Stir everything together so the orzo gets a good coating. Pour in the chicken broth and bring this mixture to a boil—this helps cook the orzo perfectly!
4. Simmer with Chicken:
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. This allows the orzo to absorb most of the liquid and cook until tender. Don’t forget to stir occasionally!
5. Add Cream and Spinach:
After the orzo is tender and it looks inviting, stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and nicely mixed in.
6. Finish with Cheese:
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Taste it and add more salt and pepper if you like. Everything should be warm and delicious at this point!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your One-Pan Marry Me Chicken with Orzo warm. Garnish with some extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley if you want. Enjoy your meal and get ready for the compliments!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta Instead of Orzo?
Absolutely! You can substitute orzo with any small pasta like ditalini, couscous, or even quinoa. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check the package instructions and adjust the amount of broth accordingly to ensure the pasta cooks properly.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely first! The best way to thaw frozen chicken is to place it in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed. Pat dry before seasoning to prevent excess moisture in the skillet.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help bring it back to its creamy consistency.
