One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and impressive, you’ve come to the right place! My One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and hearty orzo pasta. Trust me, once you serve this up for dinner, everyone will be asking for seconds—and maybe even proposing! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

What I love most about this dish is how it brings everyone together. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night with friends, the warmth and flavor of this one-pan meal make any occasion feel like a celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan wonder: No need for multiple pots and pans! This dish cooks all in one pan, which means less cleanup for you.
• Deliciously creamy: The combination of coconut milk (or heavy cream) with sun-dried tomatoes creates a rich sauce that’s simply irresistible.
• Quick and easy: With just a few simple steps, this recipe comes together in no time—perfect for those busy evenings!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the flavors in this dish. It’s sure to become a new family favorite.
• Make-ahead magic: You can prep this meal ahead of time and just heat it up when you’re ready to enjoy a comforting dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a breeze! These are simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken

• 1.5 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken breast (cut into cubes)
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 4-5 Cloves Garlic (mashed)

For the Sauce

• 3/4 Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (packed in oil and drained)
• 2 Teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 Teaspoons Paprika
• 1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

For the Pasta

• 1 Cup Orzo
• 2 3/4 Cups Chicken Broth or Water

For Creaminess

• 3/4 Cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream

For Freshness

• 2 Large Handfuls Fresh Spinach

For Serving

• 3/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)

Variations

This One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is super flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry.

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
• Change the grain: If you’re looking to switch it up, quinoa or rice can replace the orzo beautifully.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes for an extra kick if your taste buds crave some heat!

How to Make One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

To start off, pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and slice them into cubes. This helps them cook evenly and get that lovely golden color. Set them aside while we get our skillet ready.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat your skillet over medium heat and add in the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the cubed chicken. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes until the edges begin to turn white. This initial sear adds flavor and locks in moisture.

Step 3: Flavor Explosion

Now it’s time to add in those sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. This step allows all those wonderful spices to mingle with the chicken—yum!

Step 4: Mix In the Orzo

Add your orzo and pour in the chicken broth (or water). Give it all a good stir so everything is well combined. This is where your dish starts coming together beautifully!

Step 5: Let It Simmer

Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover your pan. Let it simmer for about 12 minutes—be sure to peek under that lid every few minutes to stir things around so nothing sticks!

Step 6: Creamy Goodness Awaits

Once your orzo is tender and cooked through, stir in either coconut milk or heavy cream along with those vibrant handfuls of spinach. Watch as that beautiful green color brightens up your dish!

Step 7: Final Touches

Finally, sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and give everything one last stir. The cheese melts into that creamy sauce creating an irresistible finish.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Remove your pan from heat and serve immediately while it’s warm. Enjoy every bite of this delicious One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo with someone special—or keep it all to yourself; I won’t judge!

Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Cooking this delightful dish can be a breeze with a few handy tips to ensure success every time!

• Prep Your Ingredients First: Having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. This keeps you organized and reduces the chances of forgetting something crucial.
• Use Fresh Spinach: Opting for fresh spinach not only enhances the flavor but also adds a vibrant color to your dish. It wilts beautifully and provides essential nutrients, making your meal even healthier.
• Stir Occasionally: Stirring the orzo while it cooks prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. This simple action ensures even cooking and helps achieve that creamy texture we all love.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Don’t hesitate to taste the sauce before serving! Adjusting seasoning like salt and pepper allows you to customize the flavor profile, ensuring it’s just right for your palate.
• Allow Leftovers to Rest: If you have leftovers, let them cool before storing them in an airtight container. This helps maintain texture and flavor when reheating later.

How to Serve One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Serving this dish is just as fun as making it! With a little creativity, you can transform your meal into a beautiful presentation that impresses everyone at your table.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Adding a few torn basil leaves on top provides a fragrant aroma and brightens up the dish visually.
• Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, sprinkling some chili flakes adds an exciting kick that contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the orzo.
• Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving offers a zesty freshness that complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is always a hit! It pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce, perfect for dipping.
• Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chicken orzo.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add color, flavor, and nutrition to your meal.
• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli is not only healthy but also adds a lovely crunch that contrasts well with the creamy pasta dish.

Enjoy crafting this comforting One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household, leaving everyone asking for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• Consider dividing into individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave reheating is also an option; cover and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe!

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo in the One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo adds a unique texture, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice if preferred. Just be aware that cooking times may vary.

What can I serve with One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo?

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. You could also serve it with crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce!

Can I make One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo without chicken?

Yes! For a vegetarian version, you can swap out the chicken for chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

How spicy is the One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo?

This recipe is mild, but you can add red pepper flakes for some extra heat if desired. Just sprinkle them in as you cook!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy. Whether you’re preparing it for family or friends—or just treating yourself—this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and may every bite bring happiness to your table!