One Pan Marry Me Chicken with Orzo

If you’re in the mood for a deliciously easy meal that feels special enough for a date night but simple enough for a weeknight dinner, this One Pan Marry Me Chicken with Orzo is the recipe you need! 😍💖 Packed with flavor, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked orzo, it’s everything you want in a meal: savory, creamy, and filling – all made in just one pan!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
✅ One Pan Magic – Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal.
✅ Perfectly Balanced – Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful orzo in every bite.
✅ Date Night Approved – Impress your loved ones with this easy yet elegant dish.
✅ So Quick & Simple – A flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly in under 30 minutes!

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Key Ingredients for One Pan Marry Me Chicken with Orzo
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious one-pan dish:

🍗 For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🐔
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🍈
• 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
• ½ teaspoon black pepper 🌶️
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
• ½ teaspoon paprika 🔥
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿

🧄 For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter 🧈
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 cup heavy cream 🥛
• 1 cup chicken broth 🍲
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 🍅
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning 🌿
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated 🧀
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 🍋
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish) 🌿

🍚 For the Orzo:

• 1 cup orzo pasta 🍝
• 2 cups water or chicken broth 🍲

💡 Substitutions & Variations:

• Swap the chicken breasts for thighs for more juiciness.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Add spinach, mushrooms, or olives for extra flavor and texture!
• To make it gluten-free, swap orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.

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How to Make One Pan Marry Me Chicken with Orzo
This recipe is as simple as it gets, but still packed with bold flavors. Let’s get started with these easy-to-follow steps!

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Step 1: Prep the Chicken 🍗

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried oregano. Give the chicken a good rub with the spices so it’s evenly coated. This will create that delicious flavor base for your chicken! 🔥

💡 Tip: If you prefer thinner chicken breasts, you can butterfly them to help them cook more evenly and quickly.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken 🔥

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. We’re not looking to cook them fully here – just a nice sear to lock in the flavor.

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside. You’ll be adding it back in shortly! 💪

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t crowd the pan! Sear the chicken in batches if necessary, to get that perfect crust.

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Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce 🧄

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. This is where the magic starts to happen! ✨

Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it come to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes. The sauce should thicken up just a bit. Add in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, making it rich and creamy. 🍅🧀

💡 Tip: If you want more tang, add a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth of flavor.

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Step 4: Add the Orzo & Simmer 🍚

Now, add the orzo pasta directly to the sauce, along with the 2 cups of water or chicken broth. Stir everything together and make sure the orzo is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. 🌿

💡 Pro Tip: Stir the orzo occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick to the pan, ensuring each bite is creamy and delicious.

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Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Pan 🍗

Once the orzo is cooked, nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pan, on top of the orzo and sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and absorb the flavors from the sauce.

To check for doneness, the internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165°F (74°C). If it’s not fully cooked, cover the pan and let it cook for a few more minutes until done. 🌡️

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Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches 🍋

Once the chicken is cooked and the orzo is tender, squeeze in a little fresh lemon juice for a zesty kick. Garnish with chopped fresh basil for that extra burst of freshness! 🌿🍋

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Step 7: Serve and Enjoy 🥂

Your One Pan Marry Me Chicken with Orzo is ready to serve! Plate the dish with a generous scoop of orzo and top it with the juicy chicken breasts. Drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over the chicken and orzo for even more flavor.

💡 Tip: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal!

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Serving Suggestions 🍽️
This One Pan Marry Me Chicken with Orzo is already a full meal, but here are a few serving ideas to take it to the next level:

• With a Green Salad – A simple side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette makes the perfect accompaniment to this rich and creamy dish. 🥗
• With Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce is always a winner. 🥖
• Topped with Extra Cheese – Can you ever have too much cheese? Top the dish with a little extra Parmesan for some added richness. 🧀
• Pair with Wine – A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would pair perfectly with the creamy chicken and orzo. 🍷

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Storage & Reheating 🧊
Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld together, so it’s even tastier the next day! 😋

Freezing:
This dish can be frozen, but it’s best to store the chicken and orzo separately to prevent the texture from changing. Freeze for up to 1 month in a sealed container.

Reheating:
To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra cream or broth to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓

1️⃣ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and will add even more flavor and juiciness to the dish. 🍗

2️⃣ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything, including cooking the chicken and orzo, then refrigerate it for up to a day. Just reheat and serve when you’re ready! 🔄

3️⃣ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! If you don’t have orzo, you can use any small pasta, such as penne or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose. 🍝

4️⃣ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese. 🌱

5️⃣ Can I add veggies to the dish?
Definitely! You can add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the dish for extra nutrients and flavor. Just sauté the veggies with the garlic in step 3 before adding the cream. 🥒

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Conclusion: A Dish So Good, You’ll Want to Marry It! 💍

This One Pan Marry Me Chicken with Orzo is the kind of meal that will make everyone gather around the table in awe. Tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo – it’s a combination made in heaven! Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion, a romantic dinner, or just a regular weeknight, this dish is sure to impress.

With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect meal for any night of the week. Try it out and prepare to fall in love with this deliciously easy dish! 😍💖