Marry Me Chicken earned its name because it is that good, and this version makes it a proper one pan dinner. The risoni cooks right in the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, so you get chicken, pasta and sauce all from the one pan.
You brown the chicken, build a rich sauce around it with pesto, stock and cream, then let the risoni cook through and soak up all that flavour. It looks and tastes like a special occasion, but it is easy enough for a weeknight.
Rich, creamy and comforting, it is the kind of dinner people ask you to make again.
Why You’ll Love It
It is all in one pan, so the risoni cooks in the creamy sauce and there is very little washing up. Jar sun-dried tomato pesto brings big flavour without a long ingredient list, the cream makes it feel indulgent, and the green beans add freshness and a bit of colour. It comes together in about 35 minutes and tastes like far more effort than it is.
The Shortcut That Makes It Work
Two things make this easy. Jar sun-dried tomato pesto does the flavour work of a much longer ingredient list, and cooking the risoni right in the pan means no separate pot of pasta to boil and drain. You brown, build the sauce, add the risoni, and it all finishes together in the one pan.
Handy Tips
Brown the chicken well at the start for colour and flavour, it does not need to be cooked through yet as it finishes in the sauce. Keep the heat low once the risoni goes in and give it the odd stir so it does not catch on the base, and if the sauce gets too thick before the risoni is tender, add a splash more stock. It is ready when the risoni is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed into that creamy sauce.
What To Serve With It
It is a complete meal with the chicken, risoni and beans together. A simple green salad or some crusty bread to mop up the sauce is all you need alongside.
Leftovers / How to Store It
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or cream, as the risoni absorbs the sauce and firms up once chilled.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Marry Me Chicken, here are a few more ideas to add to your rotation:
Marry Me Chicken
Prep Time 10 minutes 
Cook Time
25 minutes 
Total Time 35 minutes 
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season your chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Get your pan nice and hot with a splash of olive oil.
- Brown the chicken on both sides to lock in those juices. It’s okay if it’s not cooked through yet; we’ll get there!
- Remove the chicken, then throw in the diced onion and beans for a quick fry.
- Stir in the pesto, Risoni, stock, and cream. Wait for it to bubble with joy!
- Add the chicken back in, turn the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’re aiming for all that liquid gold to be absorbed and the Risoni perfectly al dente.
- Voilà! You’ve got yourself a dish that’s not just a meal, but a love letter on a plate.
Nutrition
Video
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FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh?
Yes, either works. Thigh stays a little juicier through the simmer, while breast is leaner, so if you use breast keep an eye on it as it can dry out if overcooked.
Can I use orzo instead of risoni?
Yes. Risoni and orzo are the same small pasta shape under different names, so use whichever you have. Any small pasta will work in a pinch.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomato pesto?
Chopped sun-dried tomatoes work well in its place, or a regular tomato pesto for a milder flavour. The sun-dried tomato version gives that signature tangy richness.
My sauce got too thick, what do I do?
The risoni soaks up a lot of liquid as it cooks. Add a splash more stock to loosen it, and do the same when reheating leftovers.
Amazing, bursting with flavour
Tasty and easy to make. Used broccoli instead of beans.
Delicious will definitely make again and only having to use one pan, perfect.
The easiest and tastiest recipe! Super delicious. Definitely recommend.
Have been making this on repeat for weeks! Trying broccoli tonight as hubby only just tolerates beans! I’ve passed this recipe on to my children and it’s their favourite now too! Thanks for the easy one pan option Steph!
Really lovely, everyone enjoyed it. Love Stephs recipes, so easy to prepare and cook.