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Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy onepan meal that delivers comforting and rich flavors with minimal effort. It combines tender chicken, sundried tomatoes, and orzo pasta all cooked together in a skillet. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying but quick to prepare.
I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight and was amazed at how rich and flavorful it tasted without needing lots of steps. Now it’s one of my go to dinners when I want something special without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: cut into bitesized pieces to cook evenly and quickly
- Salt and pepper: for balanced seasoning to bring out flavors
- Garlic powder: to add a mild garlicky undertone to the chicken
- Oil from sundried tomato jar: using this oil to cook the chicken infuses it with extra flavor and is a great way to use up every bit of the jar
- Fresh garlic: minced for a fragrant and authentic depth of flavor
- Chopped sundried tomatoes: add a chewy texture and a tangy richness that defines Marry Me Chicken dishes
- Italian seasoning: gives a herby, aromatic note that complements the creamy sauce
- Paprika: adds a smoky warmth that rounds out the flavor profile
- Lowsodium chicken broth: to control saltiness and keep the sauce light but flavorful
- Orzo pasta: is the perfect small pasta that cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce well
- Heavy cream: is essential for the rich, creamy sauce texture that makes this dish irresistible
- Packed baby spinach: adds a fresh, leafy element and a pop of green that balances richness
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: melts into the sauce and finishes the dish with a salty, savory touch freshly grated is best but the pre-shredded works if you’re in a pinch
Instructions
- Sauté the chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to season thoroughly. Pour the sundried tomato oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally. The chicken will brown but not be fully cooked through at this stage. This step locks in the juices and develops flavor.
- Add aromatics and seasoning:
- Stir in the minced garlic, sundried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, additional salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant and the sundried tomatoes soften. This builds a flavor packed base that’s rich and inviting.
- Add broth and orzo pasta:
- Pour in the lowsodium chicken broth and add the orzo pasta. Stir everything well to combine, making sure the orzo is submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 to 13 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the orzo cooks evenly and doesn’t stick or burn on the bottom of the pan. The pasta will absorb the flavorful broth during this time.
- Finish with cream, spinach, and cheese:
- Once the orzo is tender, stir in the heavy cream, packed baby spinach, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture sit off heat for a few minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the creamy sauce. This step adds a luscious texture and a fresh element to lighten the dish.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle more freshly grated Parmesan over the top for an extra hit of cheesy flavor. Serve hot right from the skillet for a comforting, hearty meal that feels indulgent yet homemade.
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I love the way the spinach adds a fresh pop to the dish and my family especially enjoys the tanginess of the sundried tomatoes. Every time I make this, it brings back memories of cozy dinners when friends stayed over and asked for the recipe right away.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of broth or water to bring back creaminess without breaking the sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken thighs can be swapped for the breasts for a juicier bite. If you do not have sundried tomato oil, regular olive oil works fine but you will lose some flavor depth. Heavy cream is important for the sauce but if needed, half and half can be used with a slightly thinner texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect to soak up the creamy sauce.
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This creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a quick, comforting onepan dinner the whole family will love. It reheats well and is great for busy weeknights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What sides complement chicken and orzo dishes?
Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad are excellent accompaniments, balancing the creamy main with crunchy or fresh textures.
- → Can the tomato flavor be intensified?
Adding a tablespoon of tomato paste while simmering enriches the tomato notes without overpowering the dish.
- → Is it possible to swap the orzo pasta for another grain?
Yes, smaller pastas or even rice can be substituted, though liquid amounts and cooking times may need adjustment.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Keep in an airtight container refrigerated for up to three days to preserve freshness and flavor.
- → Can this meal be frozen for later?
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing and reheating.
- → What seasoning enhances the chicken’s flavor?
Garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning together bring warmth and complexity to the chicken pieces.