Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
Introduction
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. This dish is sure to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 650 g chicken breast (about 4 pieces, skinless and boneless, chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar)
- 3 garlic cloves (peeled and crushed)
- 170 g sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp paprika
- 250 g orzo
- 650 ml hot chicken stock
- 150 ml double cream
- 50 g Parmesan (grated)
- 120 g spinach
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large, deep frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. When hot, add the chicken pieces carefully. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all sides start to brown.
- Step 2: Reduce the heat and add the crushed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir for 3 to 5 minutes until the garlic softens and the mixture is fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the orzo, hot chicken stock, and a good grind of black pepper. Stir everything together and cover with a lid. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly cooked through.
- Step 4: Turn the heat to the lowest setting. Add the spinach and double cream, stirring well for 1 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cream is warmed through. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Step 5: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and combined. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar for extra flavor and richness in place of plain olive oil.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the double cream with milk or use crème fraîche.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes with the paprika for a subtle spicy kick.
- Swap orzo for small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even couscous for a different texture.
- Add fresh basil or parsley as a garnish to brighten the flavors before serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the chicken tender and the orzo from becoming mushy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but make sure to thaw it completely before chopping and cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the double cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.
PrintMarry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pot dish combining tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, creamy spinach, and al dente orzo pasta in a flavorful, herbed sauce. This easy stovetop recipe provides a hearty, creamy meal perfect for weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 650 g Chicken breast (skinless and boneless, chopped, about 4 pieces)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (or oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar)
- 3 Garlic cloves (peeled and crushed)
- 170 g Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 250 g Orzo pasta
- 650 ml Hot chicken stock
- 150 ml Double cream
- 50 g Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 120 g Spinach
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large, deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When hot, carefully add the chopped chicken pieces. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is starting to brown on all sides.
- Add aromatics and spices: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the crushed garlic, drained sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir together and cook for 3-5 minutes until the garlic is softened and fragrant.
- Add orzo and stock: Pour in the orzo pasta, hot chicken stock, and some freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine everything, then cover the pan with a lid. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is almost cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish with spinach and cream: Turn the heat to the lowest setting and stir in the spinach and double cream. Cook for 1-3 minutes, stirring continuously until the spinach is wilted and the cream is heated through. Check that the chicken is fully cooked (no pink inside).
- Incorporate parmesan and serve: Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Adjust seasoning with black pepper if desired. Serve immediately for a creamy, flavorful dish.
Notes
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best flavor, but drain them well before adding.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute double cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- Stirring occasionally during cooking prevents orzo from sticking to the pan.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby spinach or kale for different textures.
- Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly to cook through uniformly.
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, One Pot Recipe, Chicken Orzo, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy One-Pot Dinner, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach, Parmesan
