Marry Me Chicken Orzo is the kind of recipe that wins hearts and brings everyone running to the table—creamy, savory, and packed with flavor in every bite. Imagine juicy chicken breasts nestled in a luscious, sun-dried tomato–studded orzo, all tied together with a silky Parmesan cream sauce and a pop of fresh spinach. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or trying to impress someone special, this dish is guaranteed to become a beloved favorite. And the best part? It’s all made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long grocery list to make Marry Me Chicken Orzo—just a handful of staples that each play a starring role. Every ingredient brings its own magic, from the richness of Parmesan to the brightness of fresh basil, layering flavor and color into every forkful.
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking and easy slicing; chicken thighs also work well for extra juiciness.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Classic seasoning that lets the other flavors shine and ensures the chicken is perfectly seasoned.
- Garlic Powder: Adds depth to the chicken and infuses subtle savory notes.
- Olive Oil: Gives the chicken a gorgeous golden crust and helps prevent sticking.
- Butter: Adds richness and a hint of nutty flavor to the base of the sauce.
- Fresh Garlic: Three cloves, minced, for that irresistible aromatic punch.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intensely sweet-tart bites that make the sauce pop with color and flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly brings that Mediterranean warmth.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you love a little heat.
- Orzo Pasta: This tiny, rice-shaped pasta soaks up all the creamy sauce and turns silky and tender.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the orzo moist and flavorful.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to that luxurious, velvety texture in the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for a nutty, salty hit that finishes the sauce perfectly.
- Baby Spinach: Two cups wilt down beautifully, adding color, nutrients, and a touch of freshness.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: For a fragrant, green garnish that brightens the whole dish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Nestle the chicken breasts in and let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a plate and keep warm—you’re already building big flavor for your Marry Me Chicken Orzo.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet (no need to clean it—you want those tasty browned bits!), melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This is where your kitchen starts to smell absolutely incredible.
Step 3: Toast the Orzo
Add the uncooked orzo pasta right into the skillet and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often. This little step gives the orzo just a hint of nutty flavor and helps it soak up even more of the sauce later on.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cook the orzo uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If the pan looks a bit dry before the orzo is ready, just add a splash more broth.
Step 5: Finish the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is creamy and dreamy—this is the moment when Marry Me Chicken Orzo really comes together.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon some of that gorgeous orzo over the top. Let everything warm together for a couple of minutes, so the flavors meld. Finish by scattering chopped fresh basil or parsley over the whole skillet for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley on top will make your Marry Me Chicken Orzo look as good as it tastes. For extra flair, add a little more grated Parmesan and a few extra sun-dried tomato pieces just before serving—you’ll wow your guests before they even take a bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is a star on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. Crusty bread is also fantastic for mopping up every last bit of that creamy orzo sauce. Even a simple steamed green bean or broccoli side can add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try slicing the chicken before returning it to the skillet, then fan the slices over the orzo for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Individual bowls topped with a swirl of cream and extra herbs make for a cozy, inviting plate. Or, serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo family-style straight from the skillet for a rustic, shareable feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Marry Me Chicken Orzo cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors just get better as they mingle overnight. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to keep everything fresh and creamy.
Freezing
While cream-based dishes like this can sometimes separate after freezing, Marry Me Chicken Orzo actually holds up pretty well. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer leftovers to a skillet or saucepan with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen things up. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. The microwave works too—just use a microwave-safe dish and cover to prevent splatters, stirring halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in Marry Me Chicken Orzo and bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may need a minute or two more per side.
What if I don’t have orzo?
No worries—other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even rice can be used in place of orzo. Cooking times may vary, so check for doneness and adjust broth as needed.
Is Marry Me Chicken Orzo spicy?
The dish is mild by default, but adding red pepper flakes gives it a gentle heat. Adjust the amount to your taste or omit them entirely for a kid-friendly version.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Orzo ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day in advance. The flavors deepen overnight, and it reheats beautifully with a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add sautéed mushrooms or white beans for a protein boost—you’ll still get all that creamy, savory goodness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a memorable meal that’s both comforting and impressive, you can’t go wrong with Marry Me Chicken Orzo. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that never fails to delight, whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a special celebration. Give it a try and watch everyone at your table fall in love, one creamy, savory bite at a time!
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Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection alongside tender orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs. This comforting American main course is perfect for an easy yet elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Sauce and Pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using to build depth in flavor.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the skillet and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the pasta in the butter and aromatics.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is rich and creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Orzo: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy orzo mixture. Spoon some of the orzo over the chicken and allow everything to warm together for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving your delicious Marry Me Chicken Orzo.
Notes
- For an even deeper flavor, consider searing the chicken in oil from the sun-dried tomatoes.
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for breasts if preferred.
- This dish reheats well; add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to retain creaminess.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten the dish and add an aromatic finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with orzo
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
