Description
This One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting dinner made with tender chicken, orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Everything cooks in one pan for an easy weeknight meal with minimal cleanup and incredible flavor.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream and uncooked orzo, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and stir everything together.
- Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stir until melted and creamy, then serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Sear the chicken well for maximum flavor, stir the orzo occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking, and add a splash of broth or cream when reheating leftovers to keep the sauce creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American