One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Nicknamed for flavors so irresistible they might inspire a proposal, Marry Me Chicken meets tender orzo in one skillet. Sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan cocoon seared chicken in a rich Italian-inspired sauce.

Serves 4 · 12 min prep · 25 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 620 cal
• 48g protein
• 52g carbs
• 24g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 cups uncooked orzo pasta
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 cups baby spinach

Instructions

1. 1Pat the chicken dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. 2Add the chicken in a single layer and sear without moving for 4 to 5 minutes until deeply golden. Flip and cook another 3 to 4 minutes until the second side is browned; transfer chicken to a plate (it will finish cooking later).
3. 3Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the same pan; stir for 45 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook 30 seconds more to deepen the color.
4. 4Pour in chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the liquid to a lively simmer.
5. 5Stir in the uncooked orzo, making sure it is mostly submerged. Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the pan along with any accumulated juices.
6. 6Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. Chicken should reach 165°F internally.
7. 7Uncover, reduce heat to low, and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and spinach. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce turns silky and coats the orzo.
8. 8Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat, scatter fresh basil over the top, and let rest 2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.
9. 9Spoon into shallow bowls, making sure each serving gets a piece of chicken and plenty of creamy orzo. Serve immediately while hot and glossy.