If you are searching for a soul-satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe has absolutely got you covered. This dish brings together tender chicken, creamy Parmesan-infused orzo, and the bright tang of sun-dried tomatoes all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s truly a magical combination that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing special guests without standing over the stove for hours. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it just might become your new go-to comfort meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so irresistible. From the savory spices to the creamy Parmesan finish, these simple essentials combine effortlessly to create something truly memorable.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juicy, flavorful meat, or breasts if you prefer leaner protein.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and depth to the seasoning blend.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that elevates the chicken’s savory profile.
- Olive oil: Provides a beautifully rich base for searing the chicken and sautéing aromatics.
- Garlic: Minced fresh cloves deliver a fragrant, pungent aroma that wakes up the dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Offer bursts of chewy, tangy sweetness contrasting the creaminess of the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean vibes.
- Uncooked orzo pasta: The tiny rice-shaped pasta cooks perfectly in the creamy broth, absorbing all the flavors.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid base that keeps the orzo tender and the chicken moist.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that brings the sauce to a rich, comforting consistency.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together beautifully.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that livens up each bite without overpowering the dish.
- Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy green component that wilts into the sauce for added nutrition and color.
- Fresh basil: Optional garnish that brightens the dish with its fragrant herbal notes.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry and seasoning it generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear it for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it develops a gorgeously golden crust. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through at this stage; the final cooking will happen with the orzo. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Reduce the heat to medium, then add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for just about 30 seconds until the aroma bursts forth. Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sprinkle on the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together for about a minute to allow those flavors to meld perfectly with the garlic-infused oil left from searing the chicken.
Step 3: Add Orzo and Liquids
Now it’s time for the orzo to shine. Stir the uncooked pasta into the skillet, coating it with that fragrant mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and give everything a gentle stir. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the pan, making sure they’re partially submerged. Cover the pan and let the magic happen as the orzo cooks and the chicken finishes cooking about 12 to 15 minutes on low heat.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese, Spice, and Greens
Once the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir gently to create a creamy, cheesy sauce. If you like a bit of heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes now. Finally, fold in the baby spinach, letting it wilt into that luscious sauce. Remove the pot from heat and let it rest, covered, for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle beautifully.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves scattered over the top bring an herbal brightness that contrasts delightfully with the rich, creamy sauce. You can also grate some extra Parmesan at the table for that perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans adds a refreshing counterpoint and balances out the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts are also great companions for added texture and subtle earthiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe in shallow bowls with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or oregano. You could also portion it into individual ramekins, garnish with basil, and broil briefly for a golden Parmesan crust. The comforting, creamy orzo contrasts beautifully with that crispy top layer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld, and the dish will keep well for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it down promptly to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save this meal for longer, freezing is a good option. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that fresh greens like spinach may lose texture after freezing, so you could add fresh spinach after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or drying out. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore that creamy consistency. Fresh spinach or herbs can be stirred in after warming.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly if you prefer leaner meat. Just be sure not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs. Keeping an eye during the simmering step helps maintain juicy results.
Is it possible to make a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese. This adjustment keeps the dish creamy and flavorful while accommodating dairy-free diets wonderfully.
Can I prepare this recipe using a slow cooker instead of stovetop?
This recipe is designed for stovetop cooking to seal in those beautiful seared flavors and control the pasta’s texture. While you could adapt it for a slow cooker, timing the orzo perfectly could be tricky, and you might lose some of the signature pan sauce quality.
How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe?
The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes as optional, so the level of heat is completely up to you. Leaving them out results in a mild, creamy dish that’s family-friendly, but adding them provides a gentle kick that balances nicely with the richness.
What can I serve with this dish to make it a full meal?
Pair it with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. A light side helps complete the meal without overwhelming the creamy, hearty flavors of the chicken orzo.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so comforting and impressive about the Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe that makes it a keeper in any kitchen. The ease of cooking everything in one pot combined with the luxurious flavor and texture makes it a true winner. I encourage you to give it a try, invite your loved ones, and share the joy of this cozy, delicious meal that’s bound to create happy memories around your table.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasonings, combined with orzo pasta, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This easy weeknight recipe delivers a comforting American Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Cooking Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Pasta and Creamy Mixture
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry, then season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the hot oil and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Add Orzo and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta, ensuring it’s coated with the oil and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir to combine.
- Simmer with Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the pan. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 12–15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and baby spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts into the creamy mixture.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the pan from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh basil before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- This dish pairs excellently with a light side salad or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.
