There’s something truly special about a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and ease all together in one pot, and that’s exactly what the Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe delivers. Imagine tender chicken pieces cooked to perfection alongside creamy orzo, sun-dried tomatoes bursting with tangy sweetness, and a velvety sauce that’s both rich and satisfying. This recipe is the perfect mix of rustic and elegant, promising a meal that will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, bringing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe so unforgettable. The combination is simple but thoughtful, showcasing how a handful of quality staples can come together to create something truly delicious.
- Chicken breast (650 g, skinless and boneless, chopped): Provides tender, juicy protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the spices beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Adds a silky base and helps caramelize the chicken for depth of flavor; sun-dried tomato oil is a great alternative to deepen the taste.
- Garlic cloves (3, peeled and crushed): Offers a fragrant punch that elevates the savory profile throughout the dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil (170 g, drained): Impart a tangy, slightly sweet complexity that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy elements.
- Oregano (1 tsp): Brings an earthy, herbal note that lightens the richness.
- Paprika (2 tsp): Adds a mild smoky warmth and a vivid color that makes the dish pop.
- Orzo (250 g): This petite pasta cooks quickly and soaks up all the flavors while offering a pleasing bite.
- Hot chicken stock (650 ml): Forms the luscious cooking liquid that infuses the orzo and chicken with savory goodness.
- Double cream (150 ml): Creates a smooth, indulgent sauce that perfectly binds everything together.
- Parmesan (50 g, grated): Adds a salty, nutty finish that enriches the sauce and offers depth.
- Spinach (120 g): Provides fresh, vibrant greenery and a slight crispness once wilted into the creamy sauce.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Enhances all the flavors with a gentle heat and brightness.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully add the chopped chicken pieces, spreading them out to ensure they sear properly. Cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken starts to develop a golden-brown color on all sides. This initial browning seals in the juices, adding a lovely texture and flavor as the base of your dish.
Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and Spices
Reduce the heat slightly, then add the crushed garlic, drained sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika directly into the pan. Stir everything together and let the mixture cook for three to five minutes. This step softens the garlic and allows the sun-dried tomatoes to release their tangy intensity, creating a fragrant foundation that makes this Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Add Orzo and Chicken Stock
Next, pour in the orzo along with the hot chicken stock and season well with freshly ground black pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine, then cover with a lid. Let it cook for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the orzo absorbs the flavorful broth, swelling into tender pearls of pasta that soak up every bit of seasoning while the chicken finishes cooking within the same pot.
Step 4: Stir in Spinach and Cream
Turn the heat down to the lowest setting, add your fresh spinach and the double cream into the pan. Stir vigorously until the spinach wilts into the sauce and the cream is heated through, usually just one to three minutes. This step creates a lush, silky sauce that carries the flavors together seamlessly and ensures the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan
Once the cream is integrated and everything’s bubbling gently, remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This final touch melts smoothly into the sauce, giving a savory, nutty richness that makes the Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe perfectly indulgent yet comforting.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of fresh color and a subtle herbal note that brightens each bite. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top can also lift the flavors, balancing the creaminess with a hint of zest. Don’t forget a crack of black pepper for a final touch of spice.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread can create a well-rounded meal. A simple arugula and cherry tomato salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly, adding a fresh, peppery counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party vibe, serve the Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe in individual rustic bowls topped with a shaving of Parmesan and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Or, if you want to get a bit playful, bake it briefly in the oven with extra cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld in the fridge, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
While this dish freezes well, the texture of the spinach may change slightly after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider adding the spinach fresh when reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a covered pan over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. You can add a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Be careful not to overheat, which could dry out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra succulence and flavor, and they hold up well in a one-pot dish like this. Just cook them a bit longer if needed, until they’re fully tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the double cream with a coconut cream or cashew cream alternative and use a dairy-free cheese or simply omit the Parmesan. The dish will still have lovely creaminess and flavor.
Can I use dried tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes in oil?
Using dried tomatoes not packed in oil is possible, but you may want to soak them in warm water first to rehydrate and add a touch of olive oil during cooking to maintain flavor balance.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The paprika adds gentle warmth without overpowering heat. If you prefer more spice, a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper can be added during cooking for a little extra kick.
What can I substitute for orzo if I can’t find it?
You can swap orzo for other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even couscous. Just adjust cooking time accordingly since these alternatives may cook faster or slower than orzo.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but fancy enough to serve when you want to treat yourself or your loved ones. Give it a try and watch this effortlessly delicious dish earn a permanent place in your recipe collection!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pot Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy parmesan sauce with orzo pasta and fresh spinach. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that combines savory herbs, paprika, and rich double cream for a luscious finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Base
- 650 g Chicken breast (skinless and boneless, chopped, about 4 pieces)
- 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
Pasta and Liquids
- 250 g Orzo
- 650 ml Hot chicken stock
- 150 ml Double cream
Finishing Ingredients
- 50 g Parmesan (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 the oil is hot, carefully add the chopped chicken pieces. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all sides start to brown and color develops.
- Add aromatics and spices: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the crushed garlic, drained sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir well and cook for 3-5 minutes until the garlic becomes softened and fragrant.
- Cook orzo with stock: Add the orzo pasta, hot chicken stock, and freshly ground black pepper to the pan. Stir everything thoroughly, then cover the pan with a lid. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is almost cooked and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Finish with spinach and cream: Lower the heat to the lowest setting. Add the fresh spinach and double cream to the pan. Stir continuously for 1-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cream is heated through. Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked before proceeding.
- Stir in Parmesan and serve: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning with more black pepper if desired. Serve immediately for a cozy and creamy chicken orzo meal.
Notes
- You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- Use oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor when cooking the chicken.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during orzo cooking to prevent sticking to the pan.
- This recipe works well with chicken thighs, but cooking times may vary.
- For a lighter version, substitute double cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.
