Print

One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a quick, flavorful, and creamy one-skillet dinner featuring tender chicken breasts, creamy orzo pasta, and a rich sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this comforting yet light meal offers simple cleanup and an impressive balance of savory and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta & Grains

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Liquids & Dairy

  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Oils & Fats

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown and mostly cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant to infuse the oil with flavor.
  3. Cook the Orzo: Add the dry orzo pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the tomato and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  4. Finish with Cream and Cheese: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back on top of the cooked orzo. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the dish. Allow the sauce to thicken as everything finishes cooking together, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Once the sauce is creamy and the chicken is cooked through, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

  • Preheat your skillet before searing to lock in juices and get a nice crust on the chicken.
  • Do not overcook the orzo; it should be tender but slightly al dente to avoid mushiness.
  • Fresh herbs are recommended for garnishing as they add brightness that dried herbs cannot match.
  • Let the finished dish rest for a few minutes off the heat to allow flavors to meld.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting throughout the cooking process for balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pan chicken, marry me chicken, orzo pasta, easy chicken dinner, creamy chicken orzo, quick chicken skillet