Table Of Content show

One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

This comforting, one-pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo features tender chicken and rice-shaped pasta wrapped in a creamy, sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce. It’s an Italian-American fusion that offers both sophistication and comfort.

What makes this dish truly special is how it combines convenience with indulgence – everything comes together in a single pan, yet it tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. It’s a dreamy, easy weeknight dinner that your family will be begging for on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Simple & Cozy: This one-pan meal is your answer for busy nights when you want something easy yet satisfying. It’s creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor!

Chef-Level Taste: Juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, nutty Parmesan, and creamy orzo come together to create a dish that feels like it belongs in a fine dining restaurant.

Minimal Cleanup: You can prepare the entire meal in just one pan. Fewer dishes to clean means more time to enjoy your delicious creation!

Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: It’s an impressive yet approachable dish that’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or cozy evenings in.

Ingredients

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh is best, but if you’re out, garlic powder can be substituted (1 teaspoon).
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a delightful sweet and tangy flavor along with a chewy texture. Be sure to use the oil from the jar to fry the chicken.
Seasonings: A blend of paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper works wonders.
Dry Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up all the tasty flavors.
Chicken Stock: Essential for cooking the pasta while adding a rich, savory depth to the dish.
Heavy Cream: For an ultra-creamy sauce that makes all the difference!
Baby Spinach: Provides a pop of color and helps balance the richness of the dish.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce, enhancing the nutty and salty flavor profile.
Fresh Basil: Used as a garnish for a fresh, aromatic finish. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!

How to Make One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

If you haven’t heard of “marry me” dishes, they’re those irresistible recipes rumored to be so delicious they’ll inspire a proposal. This one is sure to live up to that legendary status!

Here’s how to prepare this delightful dish:

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Reduce the heat to medium.
Stir in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, then add the orzo and chicken stock.
Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
Pour in the cream, add the spinach, and stir until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens, which takes about 1–2 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and incorporates into the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve immediately garnished with fresh basil. Enjoy!

Tips For the Best One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Remember that popular Marry Me Chicken that everyone loved? This creamy orzo version is an even bigger hit!

It’s super comforting and made all in one pot. With these tips, even picky eaters will fall in love with it:

Prep first: This one-pan meal moves quickly, so make sure to measure and organize all your ingredients beforehand.
Size Matters: Use a large, deep skillet that can accommodate all the ingredients with room to stir.
Slice Evenly: Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks. If it looks dry, add a splash more stock to keep it moist.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, you can use cooked chicken. Just toss it in near the end to warm it through.
Boost Flavor: For an extra flavor kick, add 1-2 teaspoons of sun-dried tomato paste while cooking the garlic.
Add Other Proteins: Consider mixing in cooked bacon bits or Italian sausage. You could also swap the chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable stock to make it vegetarian.

How to Store

While I can’t make any promises of a proposal, I can ensure this dish will win hearts – if not with you, then definitely through your cooking!

In case you find you have leftovers, here’s what to do:

To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days.

To Reheat: Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the creamy texture. Alternatively, pop it in the microwave until thoroughly warmed through.

Note: It’s not advisable to freeze leftovers as the pasta may become mushy and the sauce is likely to separate after thawing.