Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot Recipe}
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, savory, and comforting one-pot meal that blends tender chicken with orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s called “Marry Me Chicken” for a reason — this dish is so good, someone might just propose after tasting it.
The orzo soaks up all the bold, flavorful sauce, making it a complete meal that’s both elegant and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. If you’re searching for a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Orzo. This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and the delightful texture of orzo pasta, all infused with the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, this recipe is sure to win hearts and satisfy appetites.
🥘 The history behind this recipe
Inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, this dish elevates the classic by incorporating orzo pasta, transforming it into a complete, hearty meal. The name hints at its irresistible flavor—so delicious that it might just inspire a proposal after the first bite.
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish offers the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, all in a convenient one-pot format. The combination of tender chicken, rich sauce, and satisfying orzo makes it a comforting meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, Marry Me Chicken Orzo is sure to impress.
🥂 Perfect Pairings
Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the creamy sauce. A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the meal.
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest boards!
🍽️ This creamy, one-pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo is perfect for weeknight dinners, romantic meals, or cozy family nights. Don’t forget to pin it so you can make it anytime! 🌿🧀
Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté minced garlic in the same skillet for 1 minute until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add orzo and stir to toast slightly for 1–2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until orzo is al dente.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken, 2–3 minutes.
- Season with red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
🔄 Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste:
- Protein Options: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a different protein source.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Incorporate mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
💡 Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Orzo
- Enhance the Flavor: For a deeper taste, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth.
- Customize Your Greens: If spinach isn’t your favorite, try substituting with kale or arugula for a different twist.
- Make It Spicy: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare this delectable dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing
- 1 pound (450g) chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 handful fresh spinach (optional)
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
👩🍳 Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing their flavors to meld with the garlic.
- Toast the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet, stirring it into the mixture for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast and enhance its flavor.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach (if using). Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
✅ Tips:
- Add a splash of white wine before the broth for extra depth.
- Swap orzo with rice or small pasta if needed.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully — perfect for meal prep!
🥄 Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish that will have your guests asking for the recipe. Easy to prepare and delightful to eat, it’s a recipe that truly lives up to its name.
This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is comforting, creamy, and absolutely unforgettable. With just one pan and a handful of pantry ingredients, you get a dish that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality dinner.
