Hey there, food-loving friend! Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe. This isn’t just about throwing some ingredients together; it’s about whipping up pure joy in a dish that’ll make your taste buds sing. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer! Imagine those cozy nights, or those bustling get-togethers – this dish fits right in, bringing warmth, flavor, and a whole lot of happy vibes to the table. Seriously, prepare to fall in love.

Why You’ll Love One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Name: One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486623H13M53S
Total time: PT-486623H13M53S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion or shallots; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped; 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended); 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional); Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile

This dish is incredibly adaptable, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively gathering. It’s a complete meal in one pot, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Budget-Friendly

Using common pantry staples and affordable chicken, this recipe offers a luxurious taste without a hefty price tag. It’s a smart choice for any meal plan.

Quick and Easy

With minimal cleanup and straightforward steps, this recipe is designed for ease. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get a gourmet-tasting meal on the table.

Customizable

Feel free to unleash your inner chef! This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Want to add a little something extra? Go for it! Experiment with different herbs, cheeses, or even a splash of white wine.

Crowd-Pleasing

A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this dish it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:

Chicken Thighs

The star of the show. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect here, as they stay incredibly tender and juicy, soaking up all the incredible flavors of the sauce.

Orzo Pasta

This tiny, rice-shaped pasta is the secret to the dish’s creamy texture. It cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the deliciousness and making for easy one-pot cleanup.

Chicken Broth

The essential liquid base that provides a rich, savory foundation for the orzo to cook in and infuses the entire dish with depth of flavor.

Heavy Cream

This is where the “Marry Me” magic truly happens! Heavy cream adds a luxurious, velvety texture and richness that elevates the sauce from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Packed with concentrated, sweet, and tangy flavor, sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed are best!) add a beautiful pop of color and intense savory notes.

Garlic

Fragrant and essential, fresh minced garlic brings a warm, pungent aroma and a delicious kick that complements the chicken and creamy sauce perfectly.

Onion

Finely diced, the onion provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth, creating a savory base that helps build the complex flavors of the dish.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty, and umami-rich finish that truly rounds out the flavors.

Italian Seasoning

A versatile blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that instantly infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean warmth.

Red Pepper Flakes

Optional, but a tiny pinch adds a subtle warmth and gentle heat, balancing the richness of the cream and adding a little zing.

Fresh Spinach

Stirred in at the very end, fresh spinach wilts beautifully, adding a touch of vibrant color, freshness, and a boost of nutrients.

Olive Oil

Used for searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics, providing a base for the flavors to develop.

Salt and Black Pepper

The fundamental seasonings to enhance and balance all the delicious components. Adjust to your taste!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by preheating your large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a beautiful sear on the chicken. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.

Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. Add olive oil to the hot pan, then place the chicken thighs in a single layer and sear for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. This step creates a flavorful crust and locks in the juices.

Sauté Aromatics

To the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. This builds a beautiful aromatic foundation for the sauce.

Create the Sauce Base

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazes the pan and incorporates all those delicious fond bits.

Add Orzo and Chicken

Stir in the orzo pasta. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer.

Cook to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Be sure to follow the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking the orzo or drying out the dish.

Finishing Touches

Remove from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and luscious. Fold in the fresh spinach until it just wilts. This step is crucial to let the flavors settle. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but a brief cooling period makes a big difference.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm and enjoy! Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. Whether it’s paired with a side dish or served on its own, this recipe is sure to impress.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 600-750 calories, depending on specific ingredients and quantities used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience: serve it with a light, crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some crusty artisan bread for soaking up every last bit of that incredible creamy sauce. A simple side of steamed asparagus or broccoli would also be a lovely complement.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe: for even more flavor, use chicken bone broth. If you don’t have chicken thighs, chicken breasts can be used, but be mindful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster. To make it extra decadent, stir in a dollop of cream cheese with the heavy cream. This dish is fantastic for meal prep; simply reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of extra broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

FAQ’s

Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
What can I use instead of orzo pasta?
Is this dish spicy?
How do I store leftovers of One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo?
Can I freeze this dish?
What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Can I make this dairy-free?
What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
Can I add other vegetables?

CONCLUSION

And there you have it, my friend! A recipe that’s more than just food it’s an experience, a cozy moment, a reason to gather and celebrate. I’m so excited for you to try this one and make it your own. Get cooking, and get ready for some serious deliciousness!

One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy, sun-dried tomato, and spinach-infused chicken and orzo dish, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. This recipe is known for its rich flavors and appealing presentation, often leading to a memorable meal that’s perfect for a special occasion or a delightful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion or shallots
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
4 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken pieces with oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add the chopped onion (or shallots) to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta. Bring the liquid back to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an additional tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.
Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onion.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water if needed.
This dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth, perhaps adding cannellini beans or chickpeas for protein.