Description
One-Pan "Marry Me" Chicken Orzo combines tender cubed chicken breasts with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and hearty orzo pasta. This cozy, comforting, and easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, coming together in just one pan on the stovetop for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1.5 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 4-5 Cloves Garlic, mashed
- ¾ Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, packed in oil and drained
- 2 Teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 Teaspoons Paprika
- ½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 Cup Orzo
- 2 ¾ Cups Chicken Broth or Water
- ¾ Cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream
Greens and Cheese
- 2 Large Handfuls Fresh Spinach
- ¾ Cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and slice them into cubes. Set aside while heating the skillet.
- Heat the Skillet and Oil: Place a skillet on the stove over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken into the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges start to cook and the chicken begins to brown slightly.
- Add Seasonings and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, mashed garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the chicken cook through.
- Add Orzo and Broth: Pour in the orzo and chicken broth or water. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Covered: Reduce the heat to medium and cover the pan. Let it cook for 12 minutes. Every few minutes, lift the lid and stir to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Add Coconut Milk and Spinach: Once the orzo is tender and cooked through, stir in the full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream along with the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach has wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir thoroughly until the cheese melts and blends evenly into the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately while warm, enjoying the comforting flavors and creamy texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk as shown or use half-and-half.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the salt content if desired.
- Ensure to stir the orzo occasionally while covered to prevent it from sticking or burning.
- Fresh spinach can be swapped with kale or arugula for different greens.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
