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Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Marry Me Chicken Orzo

This One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful dinner that comes together in just one skillet.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • 1 cup orzo
  • 2 ¾ cups chicken broth or water
  • ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
  • 2 large handfuls fresh spinach
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated

Instructions
 

Prepare the chicken

  • Pat the chicken breast cubes dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown better. Set the chicken aside while you heat the skillet.

Sauté the chicken

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cubes. Cook for 2–3 minutes, letting the edges of the chicken start to cook.

Build the flavor

  • Add the sun-dried tomatoes, mashed garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for 3–4 more minutes. The sun-dried tomatoes will infuse the chicken with a rich, tangy flavor.

Cook the orzo

  • Pour the orzo and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir to combine, ensuring the orzo is submerged. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 12 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Add the creamy finish

  • Once the orzo is tender, stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) and fresh spinach. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy.

Add Parmesan

  • Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet and stir it in until melted and incorporated. This adds a salty, nutty richness to the dish.

Serve and enjoy

  • Remove the skillet from the heat and serve your One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo immediately. It’s perfect as is, or you can garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil for a little something extra.

Notes

How to Serve

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread.
For a Mediterranean twist, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a light cucumber-tomato salad.

Storing and Enjoying Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, then warm gently in a skillet over medium heat.
You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.

Top Tips for Customizing Your One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Swap the protein: If you don’t have chicken breast, chicken thighs work just as well. You could even use shrimp or turkey for a twist.
Add veggies: Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or peas. Just add them when you stir in the spinach for a burst of color and nutrition.
Make it dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan for a creamy, dairy-free version.
Spice it up: If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne when adding the spices.