Description
This One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful skillet dish featuring tender cubed chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach cooked with orzo pasta in a savory blend of Italian seasonings, finished with grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting and easy weeknight meal.
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
Vegetables 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 them aside while you prepare the skillet.
- Heat the skillet: Place a skillet on the stove over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up until shimmering.
- Cook the chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges start to brown and cook through slightly.
- Add seasonings and tomatoes: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, mashed garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Cook everything together for an additional 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring well. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan, and cook for 12 minutes. Remove the lid every few minutes and stir to prevent the orzo from sticking.
- Finish with cream and spinach: Once the orzo is tender and fully cooked, stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts.
- Add Parmesan cheese and serve: Finally, mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your creamy and delicious one-pan meal!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a milder taste.
- Using heavy cream will give a richer flavor compared to coconut milk.
- Stirring occasionally while cooking the orzo helps prevent it from sticking and burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
