Description

If you’re looking for a creamy, flavorful, and easy one-pan dinner, look no further than Marry Me Chicken with Risoni. This viral dish, known for its rich, velvety sauce and irresistible flavors, has earned a reputation as the meal that could make someone fall in love with you after just one bite!

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a cozy family meal, or a satisfying solo treat, this Tuscan-inspired dish is guaranteed to impress. With juicy chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and tender risoni (orzo), every bite is packed with flavor.

So, let’s dive into this one-pan wonder and learn how to make Marry Me Chicken with Risoni—a dish that’s proposal-worthy and perfect for any dinner occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized cubes)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4–5 cloves garlic (mashed or minced)
¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
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 substitute with heavy cream)
2 handfuls fresh spinach
¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Optional Additions and Substitutions:

Protein Swap: Try shrimp, tofu, or sausage instead of chicken.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk and dairy-free parmesan.
Extra Vegetables: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Pasta Swap: Replace risoni with rice, quinoa, or another small pasta.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

Instructions

Step1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken cubes dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear beautifully.

Step2: Heat the Skillet

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.

Step3: Sear the Chicken

Add the chicken cubes to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, letting them get a light golden color.
They don’t need to be fully cooked yet—they’ll finish cooking later!

Step4: Add Seasonings and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Stir in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the flavors meld and your kitchen smells amazing!

Step5: Cook the Orzo (Risoni)

Pour in the orzo and chicken broth, then stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and let it simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step6: Make It Creamy

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) and fresh spinach.
Let the spinach wilt into the sauce, making everything extra creamy.