Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This delicious one-pan creamy orzo chicken recipe takes inspiration from the viral “Marry Me” chicken, simplifying it for busy home cooks. You will love the rich, comforting flavors and how incredibly easy it is to prepare. Get ready for a quick, hearty dish that promises a satisfying and memorable dinner with minimal fuss. This is one of those orzo chicken recipes you’ll make again and again.
(Word Count: 76)
Why You’ll Love This Orzo Chicken Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with this incredible one-pan creamy chicken orzo, perfect for any night of the week.
- One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet.
- Rich & Creamy Sauce: Savor the luscious sun-dried tomato sauce, packed with flavor.
- Tender, Juicy Chicken: Achieve perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth chicken every time.
- Quick & Easy: Prepare a hearty dinner in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy schedules.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this dish with simple ingredient substitutions to suit your taste.
- Comforting Family Meal: It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.
(Word Count: 104)
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your fantastic one-pan creamy orzo chicken recipes masterpiece. Fresh, quality components make all the difference in this flavorful dish.
For those curious about its unique shape and origin, learn more about the short-cut pasta known as orzo.
- 1.5 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken breast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 4-5 Cloves Garlic (mashed or minced)
- 3/4 Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and roughly chopped)
- 2 Teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 Teaspoons Paprika (smoked paprika recommended)
- 1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Cup Orzo pasta
- 2 3/4 Cups Chicken Broth or Water
- 3/4 Cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream
- 2 Large Handfuls Fresh Spinach (about 4-5 ounces)
- 3/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with many of these ingredients. For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs or tenders also work wonderfully, just adjust cooking time as needed. Olive oil can be swapped for avocado oil or ghee if preferred. While dried Italian seasoning is convenient, feel free to use 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like oregano and basil. For sun-dried tomatoes, choose oil-packed for the best flavor and texture; water-packed are less rich. Chicken broth adds more depth than water, but water is a fine substitute. If you need a dairy-free option, ensure you use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. You can swap fresh spinach for chopped kale or arugula, adding it earlier if using tougher greens. Finally, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for different flavor profiles or dietary needs.
(Word Count: 174)
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this delightful chicken orzo dish.
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (at least 12-inch).
- Cutting board and sharp knife.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Wooden spoon or heat-proof spatula.
- Paper towels.
(Word Count: 49)
Instructions
Let’s make one of the easiest and most flavorful orzo chicken recipes you will ever encounter. Follow these steps for a perfect one-pan meal.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps create a nice sear. Then, slice them into uniform 1-inch cubes and set them aside.
- Heat the Skillet: Place your large, deep skillet or Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Sear the Chicken: Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the cubed chicken to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the edges start to cook and turn opaque. You don’t need to cook it through at this stage.
- Add Aromatics & Seasonings: Stir in the drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, mashed garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Incorporate Orzo & Broth: Add the 1 cup of orzo pasta and 2 3/4 cups of chicken broth (or water) to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring the orzo is submerged.
- Simmer & Cook Orzo: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan and allow it to cook for 12 minutes. Lift the cover every few minutes to stir the orzo thoroughly. This prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures even cooking.
- Check Doneness: After 12 minutes, check that the orzo is cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If it’s still too firm, add a splash more broth and cook for a few more minutes.
- Add Cream & Spinach: Stir in the 3/4 cup of full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream and the two large handfuls of fresh spinach. Continue to cook, stirring gently, until the spinach has wilted completely into the creamy sauce.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the 3/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it even richer.
- Serve Immediately: Dish out your creamy chicken orzo right away and enjoy the comforting flavors!
(Word Count: 338)
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Master this creamy chicken orzo dish with these helpful hints.
- Prevent Sticky Orzo: Stir the orzo frequently during its cooking time to keep the pasta from clumping or sticking to the pan’s bottom.
- Achieve Creamy Texture: Always use full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream for the richest, most luxurious sauce.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t skip the fresh garlic; it makes a significant difference in the overall depth of flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd Pan: If you’re doubling the recipe, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it sears properly, preventing it from steaming.
- Adjust Liquid: If the orzo seems too dry before it’s fully cooked, add an extra splash of broth to the pan.
- Troubleshooting: Orzo Too Watery: Simmer the dish uncovered for an additional few minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
- Troubleshooting: Orzo Too Thick: Stir in a little more chicken broth or water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
(Word Count: 109)
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This versatile creamy chicken orzo pasta pairs well with many sides.
- Serving: Serve your hearty chicken orzo alongside a crisp green salad or with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. To ensure the safety and quality of your leftovers, refer to the USDA guidelines for cooked chicken storage.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore its creamy texture.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the orzo pasta and creamy sauce can become grainy upon thawing.
- Vegetable Additions: Enhance your meal by adding sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or zucchini during the sautéing stage.
- Spice Variations: Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings for a delightful kick.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like fresh mozzarella or grated Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan.
- Herb Variations: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a vibrant burst of fresh flavor.
- Protein Variations: Swap chicken for cooked shrimp (add at the end) or browned Italian sausage for an alternative protein.
(Word Count: 129)
Nutrition Information
This nutrition information is an estimate based on the provided ingredients and assumes 6.6 servings per recipe. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 510 kcal |
| Protein | 40g |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
(Word Count: 53)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about this creamy chicken orzo dish.
- Can I use chicken thighs? Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra flavor and moisture; just ensure they are boneless and skinless, and cube them similarly.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? No, traditional orzo pasta contains gluten. You can make it gluten-free by using a certified gluten-free orzo alternative.
- How long does chicken orzo last? This creamy chicken orzo will last for 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, use full-fat canned coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version of this orzo chicken recipes staple.
- What kind of orzo should I use? Standard dried orzo pasta works perfectly for this recipe. You can find it in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores.
- Can I prepare this ahead of time? This dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can cube the chicken and chop the sun-dried tomatoes a day ahead to save time.
(Word Count: 130)
Conclusion
This one-pan creamy Marry Me orzo chicken recipes is a true game-changer for your dinner rotation. It’s incredibly easy to make, delivering a rich, flavorful, and comforting meal with minimal effort and cleanup. The tender chicken and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce create a satisfying experience that will quickly become a family favorite. Give this versatile and delicious dish a try tonight, and don’t forget to share your experience and creations in the comments below!
(Word Count: 87)
Total Word Count: 1424 words.