If you have been looking for that cozy meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite, then this recipe for Tender chicken-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo is exactly what you need. Combining juicy, tender chicken cubes with a luxuriously creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and hearty orzo pasta, this dish manages to be both comforting and impressive without any complicated steps. It’s a one-pan wonder that tastes like it took hours to create, perfect for weeknights when you want something special but simple. Trust me, once you try this, you might just want to marry the person who made it for you!

Tender chicken-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Tender chicken-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together so effortlessly. From the tender chicken to the creamy coconut milk, these elements create a comforting and well-balanced dish you’ll keep coming back to.

1.5 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Cubed for quick cooking and tender texture, the star protein of the dish.
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
4-5 Cloves Garlic, mashed: Infuses the dish with fragrant, savory depth.
¾ Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, packed in oil and drained: Provides a tangy, sweet punch that elevates the sauce.
2 Teaspoons Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and complexity.
2 Teaspoons Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor plus gorgeous color.
½ Teaspoon Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing the acidity.
1 Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper: Offers just enough bite and earthiness.
1 Cup Orzo: The tiny pasta that soaks up the sauce and gives the dish comforting body.
2 ¾ Cups Chicken Broth or Water: Simmering liquid that cooks the orzo and infuses the dish.
¾ Cup Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream: Delivers creamy richness and a silky texture.
2 Large Handfuls Fresh Spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a nutrition boost.
¾ Cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated: The finishing touch that brings savory umami magic.

How to Make Tender chicken-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by drying the chicken breasts well and cutting them into bite-sized cubes. This simple prep ensures the chicken cooks quickly and stays tender throughout the cooking process. Having uniform pieces helps everything cook evenly, which is key in one-pan dishes.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, toss in your cubed chicken. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes without stirring too much, just until the edges begin to brown. This step locks in the juices and infuses the dish with that satisfying golden color.

Step 3: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spices

Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let those aromatic ingredients mingle with the chicken for about 3-4 minutes. The garlic and sun-dried tomatoes create a flavor base that’s simply irresistible, building a rich, savory aroma.

Step 4: Combine Orzo and Broth

Pour the orzo and chicken broth into the pan and stir everything together well. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium. Cover the skillet and allow the orzo to cook for 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. This gradual cooking lets the pasta soak up all the flavors, creating a luscious texture.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach

When the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream along with fresh spinach. The cream adds that decadent, silky finish while the spinach wilts down, injecting freshness and a beautiful pop of green color to the dish.

Step 6: Add Parmesan and Serve

Finally, toss in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring it through until melted and evenly distributed. This step rounds everything out with savory notes and a touch of nuttiness that elevates the whole dish. Once everything is combined and creamy, your Tender chicken-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Tender chicken-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo

Garnishes

For an extra layer of flavor and a little flair, garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice touch if you enjoy some heat.

Side Dishes

This Tender chicken-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for added crunch and color. Garlic bread or crusty artisan rolls also complement it perfectly, soaking up the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish family-style in the skillet it was cooked in to keep things casual and cozy, which makes any meal feel special. For impressive dinner guests, plate it in shallow pasta bowls and garnish each with a parmesan crisp or a lemon zest twist for a burst of brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, store any leftover Tender chicken-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect quick lunch or dinner option for busy days.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, though texture might change slightly due to the pasta and cream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much. Stir frequently until heated through and creamy again—just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo is ideal because of its size and texture, small pastas like acini di pepe or even couscous can work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is there a dairy-free option for the parmesan cheese?

Yes, you can omit the parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast also works well for adding a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Adding mushrooms or tofu provides extra protein and earthy flavor.

How spicy is the dish?

The recipe isn’t spicy by default, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can prep the chicken and chop ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the entire dish fresh for the best texture and flavor. Leftovers reheat beautifully, though!

Final Thoughts

This Tender chicken-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo is a real winner in my book—a soul-satisfying dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights and special enough for company. It brings together flavors and textures that hug you from the inside out, all made in just one pan. Give it a try soon; I promise it will become a beloved favorite in your rotation, and you might just find yourself falling in love with cooking all over again!

Tender chicken-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo

Print Recipe

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4 from 55 reviews

Tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with hearty orzo and fresh spinach. This One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo is a cozy, dairy-free, nut-free comfort meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Dairy Free, Nut Free

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and cut into cubes. Set aside while you prepare the skillet.
Heat the Oil: Place a skillet on the stove over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Cook the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the edges start to brown and cook through slightly.
Add Seasonings: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, mashed garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for 3-4 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add Orzo and Broth: Pour in the orzo and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Simmer Covered: Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let the orzo cook for about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally—about every few minutes—to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.
Add Cream and Spinach: Once the orzo is tender and cooked through, add the coconut milk or heavy cream and fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts and incorporates into the sauce.
Finish with Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined, creating a creamy, rich sauce.
Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the dish immediately while warm and comforting. Enjoy your One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo!

Notes

Use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version; heavy cream can be substituted for a richer flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add extra depth and richness.
Stir occasionally while cooking the orzo to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Fresh spinach adds a healthy green boost and can be swapped out for kale or other leafy greens.
To make this meal gluten-free, substitute orzo for a gluten-free pasta or riced cauliflower.
Parmesan cheese can be omitted or replaced with a vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.