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Tender chicken-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo

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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.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 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

Orzo and Sauce

  • 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

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and cut into cubes. Set aside while you prepare the skillet.
  2. Heat the Oil: Place a skillet on the stove over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Add Orzo and Broth: Pour in the orzo and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Finish with Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined, creating a creamy, rich sauce.
  9. 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.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/tender-chicken-pan-marry-me-chicken-orzo/