Name: Creamy One-Pan Chicken Delight
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4-5 cloves garlic, mashed; ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and drained; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 teaspoons paprika; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup orzo (risoni); 2 ¾ cups chicken broth or water; ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream; 2 large handfuls fresh spinach; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Marry me chicken accompanied by risoni, beautifully presented with fresh herbs and a savory sauce, perfect for a meal. | tastyblom.com

Transform your dinner routine with this irresistible Marry Me Chicken with Risoni that's taking social media by storm. This Tuscan-inspired dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, all in one pan. The name comes from its reportedly proposal-worthy flavor profile - a harmonious blend of garlic, parmesan, and Italian seasonings that create a dish so delicious, it might just inspire a marriage proposal. Whether you're cooking for a special date night or simply craving something extraordinary, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum impact.

Essential Ingredients Guide

Boneless chicken breast: cubed
Sun-dried tomatoes: for intensity
Fresh garlic cloves: aromatic depth
Quality parmesan cheese: adds richness
Orzo (risoni) pasta: absorbs flavor

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Chicken Preparation

Pat chicken dry thoroughly
Season generously
Sear until golden

Step 2: Building Flavors

Add aromatics carefully
Toast orzo slightly
Create creamy base

Step 3: Final Assembly

Incorporate spinach
Add parmesan gradually
Check seasoning

A flavorful serving of marry me chicken with risoni, enhanced by fresh herbs and a rich sauce, ideal for a special occasion. | tastyblom.com

The Science of Creamy Sauce

Creating the perfect sauce requires understanding temperature control and emulsion. The starch from the orzo helps stabilize the sauce, while gradually adding cream prevents separation. This careful balance results in a silky, restaurant-quality finish that clings perfectly to both chicken and pasta.

Storage Success

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce's silky texture. Avoid freezing as it can affect the cream sauce's consistency.

Perfect Pairings

Crusty garlic bread
Light green salad
Crisp white wine
Roasted vegetables
Fresh herbs

A tempting dish of marry me chicken paired with risoni, elegantly garnished, showcasing a delightful culinary experience. | tastyblom.com

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken with Risoni represents the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. Whether you're cooking to impress or simply want a delicious meal, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Remember, patience with the sauce and attention to temperature are your keys to success. Master these elements, and you'll have a show-stopping dish that might just inspire a proposal!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?: Yes, you can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe.
→ What if I don't have coconut milk?: Heavy cream works perfectly as a substitute for coconut milk for a dairy-based option.
→ Can this recipe be made gluten-free?: Use gluten-free orzo and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free for a safe version.
→ How long does it take to prepare?: The entire process takes about 30 minutes, including prep and cook time.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?: While best served fresh, you can prepare the dish up to the spinach step and reheat before serving.

Creamy One-Pan Chicken Delight

A creamy, fuss-free chicken and risoni recipe that's perfect for weeknight dinners.

Prep Time

5 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

30 Minutes

By: Hala Montira

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings (1 dish)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Protein

01 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes

→ Base Ingredients

02 2 tablespoons olive oil

03 4-5 cloves garlic, mashed

04 ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and drained

05 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

06 2 teaspoons paprika

07 ½ teaspoon kosher salt

08 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

09 1 cup orzo (risoni)

10 2 ¾ cups chicken broth or water

11 ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream

→ Toppings & Finishing Touches

12 2 large handfuls fresh spinach

13 ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Cut them into uniform, bite-sized cubes and set aside.

Step 02

Place a large skillet on medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to shimmer slightly before proceeding.

Step 03

Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges begin to turn golden. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Step 04

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, mashed garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the spices to meld together.

Step 05

Add the orzo and chicken broth (or water) to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 06

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) and fresh spinach. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and cohesive.

Step 07

Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and gently stir to melt it into the sauce, creating a rich and velvety texture.

Step 08

Remove the skillet from the heat and serve while warm. Enjoy this delicious one-pan meal with its harmonious blend of flavors and textures!

Notes

Ensure the chicken is patted dry before cooking for better browning and flavor.

Stir the orzo periodically during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

For a creamier finish, let the dish sit off the heat for a few minutes before serving.

Tools You'll Need

Large skillet

Paper towels

Spatula or wooden spoon

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese and coconut milk/heavy cream).
Gluten-free if using gluten-free orzo.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18 g
Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
Protein: 30 g