1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Creamy Chicken One-Pan

Marry Me Chicken Risoni

Featured in Effortless One-Pot Wonders.

Whip up this creamy Marry Me Chicken in one pan with tender chicken, cheesy orzo, and vibrant veggies like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Ranah
Updated on Sun, 18 May 2025 14:45:52 GMT
Creamy chicken with risoni, garnished beautifully with fresh greens and hearty sauce, ideal for dinner. Pin it
Creamy chicken with risoni, garnished beautifully with fresh greens and hearty sauce, ideal for dinner. | tastycoock.com

Jazz up your dinner lineup with this head-turning One-Pan Chicken with Risoni that's buzzing all over the internet. This Italian-style meal brings together juicy chicken, velvety sauce, and tasty orzo mixed with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and wilted spinach, all cooked together. It got its charming name because folks say it tastes so good it might spark a marriage question - thanks to the perfect mix of garlic, parmesan, and herbs that work magic together. You'll get fancy restaurant vibes without much work, whether you're cooking for someone special or just want something super tasty tonight.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Boneless chicken breast: diced
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: for bold flavor
  • Fresh garlic cloves: adds wonderful smell
  • Quality parmesan cheese: brings creaminess
  • Orzo (risoni) pasta: soaks up sauce

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Chicken Preparation
  • Dry chicken completely
  • Add plenty of seasoning
  • Brown until crispy
Step 2: Building Flavors
  • Put in flavor boosters
  • Brown orzo lightly
  • Make sauce base
Step 3: Final Assembly
  • Mix in spinach
  • Sprinkle cheese slowly
  • Taste and adjust
A mouthwatering plate of chicken with risoni pasta, sprinkled with herbs and swimming in rich sauce, perfect for impressing guests. Pin it
A mouthwatering plate of chicken with risoni pasta, sprinkled with herbs and swimming in rich sauce, perfect for impressing guests. | tastycoock.com

The Magic Behind Smooth Sauce

Getting that perfect sauce means watching your heat and mixing things right. The starches from cooking orzo actually help keep your sauce together, and adding cream bit by bit stops it from breaking. When you nail this, you'll get this silky sauce that sticks to everything beautifully.

Leftovers Guide

Keep extras in a sealed container for up to 3 days. When warming up, add a little cream or broth to bring back the smooth sauce. Don't put it in the freezer though - it'll mess up how creamy it is.

Great Side Options

  • Toasted bread with garlic
  • Simple green salad
  • Chilled white wine
  • Oven-baked veggies
  • Chopped fresh herbs
A stunning bowl of chicken and risoni pasta garnished beautifully, showing off its creamy texture and appetizing colors. Pin it
A stunning bowl of chicken and risoni pasta garnished beautifully, showing off its creamy texture and appetizing colors. | tastycoock.com

Wrapping Up

This One-Pan Chicken with Risoni hits that sweet spot between fancy and comforting. It doesn't matter if you're trying to wow someone or just want something tasty - this easy meal gives you restaurant-worthy results without much fuss. Just take your time with the sauce and watch your cooking temperature. Get these two things right, and you'll have a knockout dish that might just make someone pop the question!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What other pasta works instead of orzo?
You can use tiny pasta options like ditalini or acini di pepe.
→ I’m out of coconut milk. Any alternatives?
Heavy cream is a great replacement if you're okay with dairy.
→ Can I make this without gluten?
Just switch to gluten-free pasta and broth to keep it safe.
→ How much time do I need from start to finish?
You’ll need about 30 minutes for both prepping and cooking.
→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Make it up to adding spinach, then reheat when you’re ready to eat.

Creamy Chicken One-Pan

A one-dish creamy meal with chicken and risoni, ideal for busy evenings.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: One-Pot Meals

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings (1 meal)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Protein

01 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, no bones or skin, diced into small chunks

→ Base Ingredients

02 4-5 garlic cloves, crushed
03 ¾ cup drained sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
04 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
05 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground
06 ¾ cup full-cream coconut milk or heavy cream
07 1 cup orzo (tiny pasta shapes)
08 2 ¾ cups chicken stock or water
09 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
10 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb blend
11 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Toppings & Finishing Touches

12 Fresh spinach leaves, 2 large handfuls
13 ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated fresh

Instructions

Step 01

Use paper towels to dry the chicken well. Slice it up into bite-sized cubes, keeping them the same size. Set them to the side for now.

Step 02

Heat a big skillet over medium. Pour in the olive oil and wait for a shimmer—it helps you know it’s ready.

Step 03

Toss the chicken pieces into the pan and let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once in a while. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way now, just some golden edges.

Step 04

Mix in the crushed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and the Italian herb mix. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, so the flavors can really come together.

Step 05

Pour in the orzo along with the chicken stock or water. Stir everything until it’s combined. Lower the heat a bit, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 12 minutes. Stir once in a while so it doesn’t stick.

Step 06

Once the orzo’s cooked, add the spinach and coconut milk (or cream). Stir it all together until your spinach wilts and the sauce looks smooth.

Step 07

Take the grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it over the dish. Give it a gentle stir to blend the cheese into the sauce, making it extra creamy.

Step 08

Take the skillet off the heat and dig in while it’s still warm. It’s perfect just as it is!

Notes

  1. Drying the chicken ahead of cooking helps it brown better and taste great.
  2. Keep an eye on the orzo and stir it often so it doesn’t get stuck to your pan.
  3. Let the food rest for a few minutes before eating—it makes it even creamier!

Tools You'll Need

  • Big skillet
  • Paper towels for drying
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from Parmesan cheese and cream or coconut milk.
  • Safe for gluten-free diets if gluten-free orzo is used.

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