One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo: A Deliciously Creamy and Flavorful Dish
When it comes to weeknight dinners, we all want something that’s both delicious and easy to make. One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is the ultimate solution! This creamy, savory, and hearty dish combines tender orzo pasta, flavorful rotisserie chicken, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, all baked together in one pan. It’s a perfect meal for busy families or anyone craving a quick and satisfying dinner.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make this mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. So, let’s dive in!
What is One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo?
One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy pasta dish that combines juicy chicken, orzo pasta, fresh spinach, basil, and a luscious cream sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy flavor, while the Parmesan cheese provides a rich, nutty taste. It’s all baked in one pan for easy cleanup, making it a convenient yet indulgent meal.
This dish is perfect for those who are short on time but still want a comforting and satisfying meal. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory seasonings will surely win everyone’s heart!
Ingredients Needed for One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Before we get into the instructions, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the fact that you can find all these ingredients at your local grocery store.
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz dry orzo: Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly. It’s the ideal choice for this one-pan dish.
- 2 cups chicken stock (unsalted): Chicken stock adds depth of flavor to the dish without overpowering it. Using unsalted stock allows you to control the seasoning.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Heavy cream is the key ingredient that makes the sauce rich, creamy, and indulgent.
- 4 cups baby spinach leaves (loosely packed): Fresh spinach adds a burst of color, nutrition, and a mild earthy flavor that balances the richness of the cream sauce.
- 1/2 oz fresh basil leaves: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, aromatic quality to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- 1 jar (8 oz) sun-dried tomatoes (oil drained): Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet, tangy flavor that complements the creaminess of the dish.
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken (diced): Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option for adding protein to the dish. It’s already cooked, saving you time.
- 5 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic adds a savory depth and aroma that makes the dish even more irresistible.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds classic Italian flavor.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of the dish.
- 1/2 tsp pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of heat and balance.
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping): Parmesan cheese provides a savory, nutty flavor and a creamy texture when melted.
Instructions to Make One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Now that we have all our ingredients, let’s get started with the instructions! The process is simple and easy to follow, so even if you’re a beginner cook, you’ll have no trouble preparing this delicious dish.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the dish bakes evenly and comes out perfectly creamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Dish
Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the orzo from sticking to the dish during baking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
Next, add all the ingredients to the casserole dish. This includes the dry orzo, chicken stock, heavy cream, spinach leaves, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, diced rotisserie chicken, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Make sure the spinach and basil are submerged in the liquid to ensure they cook evenly. The heavy cream and chicken stock will create a creamy base, and the orzo will absorb all these delicious flavors while it bakes.
Step 4: Sprinkle Extra Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle an extra 2/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mixture. This will create a beautiful, golden, cheesy crust as the dish bakes.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 minutes. The orzo will absorb the liquid, become tender, and infuse with all the flavors of the ingredients. The cheese on top will melt and form a crispy, golden layer.
Step 6: Rest the Dish
Once the dish is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the dish to thicken and ensures the orzo is fully cooked and tender.
Step 7: Stir and Serve
After resting, give the dish a good stir to mix all the ingredients together. Serve hot, and don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for an added touch of flavor!
Tips for Making the Best One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo
While this recipe is simple, there are a few tips to help you achieve the best results:
Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience
Using rotisserie chicken saves you time and effort. It’s already cooked and seasoned, which adds great flavor to the dish. However, you can also use freshly cooked chicken breast or thighs if you prefer.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time
Letting the dish rest after baking is crucial. It allows the orzo to fully absorb the sauce and gives the flavors time to meld together. Skipping this step may result in a dish that’s too watery.
Customize with Your Favorite Vegetables
While spinach and sun-dried tomatoes are delicious, you can customize this dish by adding other vegetables. Try roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
Adjust the Creaminess
If you prefer a lighter version of the dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Alternatively, add more cream for an extra indulgent meal.
Why You’ll Love One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo
This dish is more than just a dinner – it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo:
- One-pan convenience: The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Everything cooks in one pan, meaning fewer dishes to wash!
- Rich and creamy: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, and chicken stock creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the orzo beautifully.
- Hearty and satisfying: The addition of rotisserie chicken and spinach makes this a filling meal that will leave you satisfied.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your liking.
FAQ About One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta? A1: While orzo is ideal for this dish, you can substitute it with another small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A2: Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. If you’re baking it from the fridge, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Q3: How can I make this dish vegetarian? A3: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the rotisserie chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms or roasted red peppers for added flavor and protein.
Q4: Can I freeze One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo? A4: Yes, you can freeze the dish after it’s cooked. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.
Q5: Can I use fresh spinach instead of baby spinach? A5: Yes, fresh spinach can be used in place of baby spinach. Just chop it into smaller pieces before adding it to the dish.
Conclusion
One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for busy nights or special occasions. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or preparing it in advance for meal prep, it’s sure to impress. Try it out, and you’ll see why this dish is called “marry me” chicken – it’s truly that good!