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Marry Me Chicken Orzo One Pot

 

This recipe is easy to follow, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the orzo and sauce:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ small onion, diced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz, drained)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups baby spinach, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter

For garnish:

  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season & Sear the Chicken

  • In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken pieces and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown but not fully cooked.
  • Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

  • In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the onions for 2 minutes until soft.
  • Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

3. Toast the Orzo

  • Stir in the orzo pasta and let it toast for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • This adds a nutty flavor to the pasta and enhances the texture.

4. Simmer the Sauce

  • Add sun-dried tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth.
  • Stir well, then add the partially cooked chicken back into the pan.
  • Cover and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the sauce is thickened.

5. Make it Creamy & Add the Spinach

  • Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  • If using, add chopped spinach and stir until wilted.

6. Garnish & Serve

  • Remove from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley for a beautiful finish.
  • Serve hot and enjoy the rich, creamy, and comforting flavors!

Notes

Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Orzo

🔥 Sear the chicken properly – Getting a golden crust on the chicken adds an extra layer of flavor.

🍅 Use sun-dried tomatoes for depth – They bring a slightly tangy and rich flavor that makes the dish irresistible.

🧀 Freshly grated Parmesan melts better – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well, so use fresh for the creamiest sauce.

  • Author: niold.com