Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, flavorful dinner that practically makes itself, you’re going to love this Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe. I absolutely love how it brings together tender chicken, creamy orzo, and the rich tang of sun-dried tomatoes all in one pan—making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become one of those “go-to” meals you make again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe lies in using simple ingredients that really complement each other—like the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes and the creaminess from double cream and Parmesan. Here are the essentials you’ll want to have on hand.

• Chicken breast: I like skinless and boneless for quick cooking, but thighs work too if you want more juicy richness.
• Olive oil or oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar: Using that flavorful oil from the jar amps up the dish without extra effort.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly crushed gives it the best punch, so don’t skip this one.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Packed in oil is key—they’re juicier and more flavorful than the dry kind.
• Oregano: Adds a subtle earthy note to balance the tomato tang.
• Paprika: For a lovely smoky depth; you can experiment with smoked paprika if you want it even richer.
• Orzo: This little pasta cooks fast and soaks up all that tasty sauce beautifully.
• Hot chicken stock: Warm stock helps the orzo cook evenly without cooling everything down.
• Double cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy; heavy cream is an easy substitute.
• Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch that adds salty, nutty flavor.
• Spinach: Adds color, freshness, and a healthy green boost.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and a little kick.

Variations

One of the best parts of this Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe is how easy it is to switch up if you want to tailor it to your tastes or dietary preference. Here’s how I like to play around with it.

• Use chicken thighs: I used thighs one week for extra juiciness, just cooked them a little longer and it turned out fantastic.
• Add mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms with the garlic for earthier depth; my family loved this twist.
• Make it spicy: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes along with the paprika if you like a mild kick.
• Swap spinach for kale: For a heartier green, I’ve swapped in kale; just give it extra time to soften before mixing cream in.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken Until Golden

Start by heating your olive oil (or sun-dried tomato oil, if you have it) in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the chopped chicken pieces carefully. You’ll want to cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until all the sides start to develop a nice golden color. This step locks in juices and gives your chicken a yummy, flavorful crust that makes the whole dish shine.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Turn down the heat a bit and toss in the crushed garlic, drained sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir everything together and let it cook gently for 3 to 5 minutes so the garlic softens and spices bloom. This simmering mix is where your dish starts getting that intense, mouthwatering aroma that will have you sneaking tastes before it’s done.

Step 3: Add Orzo and Stock, Then Simmer

Next, pour in the orzo along with the hot chicken stock and grind in some fresh black pepper. Give it a good stir to distribute everything evenly and cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly tender. This is where your patience pays off, as the pasta absorbs all those savory flavors, making each bite rich and satisfying.

Step 4: Finish with Cream, Spinach & Parmesan

Turn your heat down to the lowest setting, add the fresh spinach and double cream, then stir vigorously for 1 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts into the sauce and the cream is warmed through. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked by checking it’s no longer pink inside. Finally, turn off the heat and fold in the grated Parmesan, which melts into the sauce creating that unmistakable creamy, cheesy finish we all crave.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra freshly grated Parmesan on top and a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbiness that cuts through the richness perfectly. A lemon wedge on the side can also brighten things up nicely if you enjoy a bit of tang.

Side Dishes

This recipe is a meal all on its own, but if you want to round out your plate, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted Mediterranean vegetables pairs beautifully. Sometimes, I serve garlic bread on the side for those who want a little extra carb love.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist during gatherings, I’ve served the Marry Me Chicken Orzo in small, individual ramekins topped with microgreens. It elevates the presentation and makes each portion feel extra special. You could also try plating it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a restaurant-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, any leftovers go straight into airtight containers and into the fridge. I’ve found this keeps really well for up to 3 days without the orzo getting gummy, especially if I store the sauce separately when possible.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish once or twice, but I recommend freezing before adding the cream and spinach for best texture when reheated. Simply freeze the chicken, orzo, and tomato mixture in portions and add cream and greens fresh when thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if needed. This keeps the orzo creamy and stops it from drying out or sticking. Microwave works too, but watch that the chicken doesn’t get tough.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe has been a total game changer in my kitchen. It’s one of those cozy, satisfying meals that almost everyone loves, and the fact it all comes together in one pan means more time eating and less time scrubbing. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, I highly recommend you give this recipe a go—you’ll see why it gets such rave reviews. Happy cooking!

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