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Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe

4.4 from 61 reviews

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pot dish featuring tender chicken breast cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic spices. The addition of creamy double cream, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines simple ingredients and minimal cleanup for a delicious, hearty dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 650 g Chicken breast (about 4 pieces, skinless and boneless, chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar)
  • 3 Garlic cloves (peeled and crushed)
  • 170 g Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • 2 tsp Paprika
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Pasta and Liquids

  • 250 g Orzo
  • 650 ml Hot chicken stock
  • 150 ml Double cream

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 120 g Spinach
  • 50 g Parmesan (grated)

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: In a large, deep frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped chicken pieces carefully. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all sides of the chicken start to brown evenly.
  2. Sauté aromatics and spices: Lower the heat and add the crushed garlic, drained sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until the garlic softens and the spices release their aroma.
  3. Add orzo and stock: Pour in the orzo and hot chicken stock, then season with freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine, cover with a lid, and cook for 10 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the orzo is nearly cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  4. Finish with spinach and cream: Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add the spinach and double cream, stirring thoroughly for 1-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cream heats through. Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly at this stage.
  5. Incorporate Parmesan and serve: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and melted into the dish. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor.
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier texture.
  • Adjust the amount of paprika depending on your preferred spice level.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook the orzo uncovered for the last few minutes to reduce the liquid.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, One Pot Meal, Chicken Orzo, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Sun-Dried Tomato Recipe