Name: Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One Pan, 30 Minutes) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup uncooked orzo; 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons paprika, divided

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

1 cup uncooked orzo

2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups fresh spinach

1-2 teaspoons lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, until lightly golden on the outside (it does not need to be fully cooked through). Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same pan. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in the orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the spinach and stir for 1-2 minutes, until wilted and blended into the sauce.

Step 5: Return the chicken to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until fully cooked through. Stir in lemon juice to taste. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

Tips & Variations

Melt the Parmesan over low heat to avoid a grainy sauce texture.

Use 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for a subtle citrus note, or up to 2 teaspoons for a more pronounced lemon flavor.

For sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed varieties work best. If using dry sun-dried tomatoes, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before chopping.

As the orzo sits, it will thicken. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time if needed to ensure they are cooked through.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream substitute in place of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.