Marry Me Chicken Orzo is the kind of dish that instantly wins hearts. Creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly cozy, it brings together tender chicken, silky orzo pasta, and a dreamy sauce kissed with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan. It’s comfort food at its best, simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to serve when you want to impress. Think of it as a one-pot wonder that blends charm with everyday ease. Whether you’re cooking for family or hoping to wow someone you love, this skillet meal promises spoonfuls of pure happiness.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Orzo
There’s so much to love about this dish, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a keeper:
- Ready in just 30 minutes, so dinner is on the table fast
- One pot, which means easy cleanup and less stress
- Creamy, Tuscan-inspired flavors that taste like something from your favorite restaurant
- A wholesome balance of tender chicken, comforting orzo, and fresh greens
- Cozy enough for a family dinner, yet impressive enough for guests
This recipe takes all the magic of the classic Marry Me Chicken and transforms it into Marry Me Chicken Orzo, a complete pasta dinner that feels both comforting and special. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and so satisfying that it will quickly become a favorite in your regular dinner rotation.
What is Marry Me Chicken Orzo
You may have heard of Marry Me Chicken. The story goes that this dish is so delicious it could make someone propose after one taste. It became famous thanks to Ina Garten’s Engagement Chicken, then spread across countless food blogs. The orzo version is a modern twist where the chicken and creamy sauce are cooked together with pasta in one pot.
Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that soaks up flavor beautifully without making you feel heavy. It is perfect in creamy dishes like this because it becomes tender but still holds its shape. Pair it with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan, and you have the ultimate comfort food.
Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot}
Ingredients
- 650 g 1.4 lb chicken breast (about 4), skinless and boneless, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil or oil from a sun-dried tomato jar
- 3 garlic cloves peeled and crushed
- 170 g 6 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp paprika
- 250 g 9 oz orzo
- 650 ml 2.75 cups hot chicken stock
- 150 ml 0.75 cups double cream (or heavy cream)
- 50 g 2 oz parmesan cheese, grated
- 120 g 4 oz spinach
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drizzle the olive oil into a large, deep frying pan and warm it over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and let them sizzle for about 5 minutes, stirring every so often, until they’re golden on the edges and starting to take on some color.
- Lower the heat slightly, then add the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir everything together for 3–5 minutes, just until the garlic softens and the kitchen fills with that wonderful aroma.
- Pour in the orzo and hot chicken stock, season with a little black pepper, and give the pan a good stir. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the orzo is almost tender.
- Reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Add the spinach and cream, stirring gently for 1–3 minutes until the spinach wilts down and the sauce turns silky. Double-check that the chicken is cooked all the way through.
- Take the pan off the heat and stir in the parmesan. The cheese will melt right into the sauce, giving you that dreamy, creamy finish. Serve immediately and enjoy every cozy bite.
Notes
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless thighs also work but may need a bit longer cooking.
- Stock/Liquid: If the liquid absorbs too quickly before the orzo is cooked, add a splash of stock or water until tender.
- Double Cream: Heavy cream works as an equivalent (about 5 fl.oz if measuring in fluid ounces).
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 790 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 67 g
- Protein: 56 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 776 mg
- Potassium: 1836 mg
- Calcium: 263 mg
- Iron: 4 mg
Ingredients You’ll Need for Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Here’s everything you’ll want to grab before you start cooking. Each ingredient plays its part in making this one-pot pasta creamy, flavorful, and downright irresistible:
- Chicken breast – lean, tender, and quick to cook. Cut into bite-sized pieces so they brown evenly.
- Olive oil – or use that flavorful oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra richness.
- Garlic cloves – fresh garlic is key for that irresistible aroma and depth.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – tangy, sweet, and full of Tuscan charm.
- Oregano & paprika – the spice duo that adds warmth and a little smokiness.
- Orzo pasta – tiny rice-shaped pasta that cooks right in the sauce for a silky finish.
- Chicken stock – infuses the orzo with savory flavor as it cooks.
- Double cream (or heavy cream) – makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
- Parmesan cheese – with its nutty, salty flavor, it’s the ideal finishing touch.
- Spinach – a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness.
- Black pepper – freshly cracked for just the right seasoning.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Follow these easy steps to bring your Marry Me Chicken Orzo to life. It’s all done in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy.
Sear the chicken – Drizzle olive oil into a large, deep frying pan and warm it over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden around the edges.
Add flavor – Lower the heat slightly, then stir in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the garlic softens and the flavors start to mingle.
Cook the orzo – Pour in the orzo and hot chicken stock, season with black pepper, and give everything a good stir. Cover the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring here and there, until the orzo is nearly tender.
Make it creamy – Reduce the heat to low, then add the spinach and cream. Stir gently for 1–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce turns silky. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked through.
Finish with cheese – Remove from the heat and stir in parmesan until melted and creamy. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy flavors.
💕 More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Marry Me Chicken Orzo, you’ll definitely want to try these other cozy, crowd-pleasing dinners:
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta – the classic pasta version of this dish that started it all.
- Marry Me Chicken Soup – the same creamy flavors you love, in a comforting soup bowl.
- Marry Me Chicken Slow Cooker – Creamy, flavorful chicken that cooks low and slow until perfectly tender.
- Marry Me Salmon – tender salmon fillets baked in that dreamy Tuscan-style sauce.
- Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe – juicy shrimp tossed with pasta in a rich, garlicky cream sauce.
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Want to make sure your Marry Me Chicken Orzo turns out creamy, flavorful, and absolutely perfect every time? Here are a few chef’s secrets to help:
- Toast the orzo lightly – Stirring the orzo in the pan for a minute before adding the stock gives it a nuttier flavor.
- Don’t skimp on the parmesan – Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives the sauce that silky, restaurant-worthy finish.
- How to keep orzo from sticking – Stir often while it simmers in the sauce, and make sure there’s enough liquid. Add a splash of stock or water if it looks too dry.
- Check doneness early – Orzo cooks fast. Start checking at the 8-minute mark so it doesn’t go mushy.
- For reheating creamy chicken orzo – Add a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce when warming leftovers.
- Can you freeze Marry Me Chicken Orzo? – Yes, but keep in mind the cream sauce may separate slightly. Reheat gently with a bit of extra cream to bring it back together.
Variations and Substitutions for Marry Me Chicken Orzo
One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken Orzo is how flexible it can be. Here are a few delicious twists to try:
- Marry Me Chicken Orzo Soup – Add extra chicken broth for a lighter, cozy soup version. It’s perfect served with a slice of warm, crusty bread.
- Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Orzo – Let the chicken and sauce ingredients simmer on low for about 4 hours. Stir in cooked orzo, spinach, and parmesan just before serving for an easy hands-off dinner.
- Marry Me Chicken Orzo Bake – Spoon the finished dish into an oven-safe dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Healthier Options
- Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or light cream for a lighter sauce.
- Use coconut milk if you need a dairy-free alternative.
- Try arborio rice or gluten-free orzo if you’re avoiding gluten
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Orzo
This one-pot dinner is filling and satisfying all on its own, but a few simple sides can turn it into an extra special meal. Try pairing it with:
- A crisp green salad tossed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette for freshness
- Warm garlic bread or soft focaccia to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce
- Roasted veggies like asparagus, zucchini, or even broccoli for extra color and crunch
- A light starter soup such as tomato basil for a cozy, restaurant-style touch
How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze Marry Me Chicken Orzo
- In the fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water, stock, or even an ice cube to loosen the sauce and bring back the creaminess.
- In the freezer: You can freeze it, but it’s not the best option since orzo tends to soften and the cream sauce may separate. If you do freeze, stir in a little fresh cream after reheating to revive the texture.
- Chef’s tip: This dish truly shines when served fresh, with the orzo perfectly tender and the sauce silky smooth.
💬 Let’s Stay Connected
If you loved this Marry Me Chicken Orzo, I’d be thrilled to have you join me for more cozy, flavor-packed recipes. You can follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share even more mouthwatering dishes, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen fun. Let’s keep cooking together!
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Can you freeze Marry Me Chicken Orzo?
Yes, but it is not the best option. Orzo can become mushy and the creamy sauce may split. If you do freeze it, reheat gently and stir in a splash of fresh cream to bring the sauce back together.
How do you reheat creamy chicken orzo?
Warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock, cream, or even an ice cube to loosen the sauce. Stir well until creamy again.
How do you keep orzo from sticking?
Cook it with plenty of liquid and give it a good stir now and then. If the pan looks dry before the orzo is fully tender, add an extra splash of stock or water.
What cream is best for Marry Me Chicken Orzo?
They are very similar. Double cream is a little richer, but heavy cream works just as well for this recipe.
Can I use leftover chicken in Marry Me Chicken Orzo?
Yes. Stir in cooked chicken towards the end of the recipe so it heats through without drying out.
Is Marry Me Chicken Orzo healthy?
It is definitely comfort food, but you can lighten it up by swapping the cream for Greek yogurt or light cream, and adding extra spinach or veggies.