Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot}

Name: Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot}
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup orzo pasta; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped; ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for garnish)

Isabella

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This Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} is a dreamy, creamy dish that combines tender chicken, comforting orzo, and flavorful seasonings—all cooked in one skillet. It’s an elegant and easy meal that will make your taste buds swoon. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or enjoy a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is perfect for both!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s everything I crave in a meal: creamy, savory, and full of flavor. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs brings out the richness of the chicken and orzo, while the fresh spinach and basil provide a refreshing touch. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze. The orzo absorbs all the delicious sauce, and the chicken comes out perfectly juicy every time. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to say “I do” to seconds!

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 ½ cups chicken broth

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon dried oregano

1 cup orzo pasta

½ teaspoon dried thyme

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

¼ cup grated Parmesan (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

First, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika on both sides.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Add the orzo, oregano, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the orzo mixture. Cover the skillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach, letting the spinach wilt into the dish.

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Serve the dish warm, and enjoy every bite!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Add Protein: If you prefer another protein, you can easily swap the chicken for turkey breasts or shrimp.

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Spicier Version: If I love extra heat, I’ll add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, I recommend warming the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. You can also microwave it, though the stovetop method helps maintain the texture better.

Related Recipes:

One Pot Broccoli Cheese Orzo

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in place of orzo?

Absolutely! If orzo isn’t available, I like to use other small pasta shapes like couscous, ditalini, or even penne.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat it with a little extra cream or broth to restore its creaminess.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This particular recipe uses orzo, which is made from wheat. However, you can use a gluten-free pasta as a substitute to make it gluten-free.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes! If I prefer fresh tomatoes, I’ll use about 1 cup of diced tomatoes. Just note that the flavor might be a little different, but still delicious.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s packed with flavors, easy to make, and feels like a special meal even though it’s simple. I love how the one-pot method makes this dish a total win for both flavor and convenience. Whether I’m cooking for a date night or family dinner, this recipe never disappoints.

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