Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a rich, creamy one-pot dinner that combines tender chicken, silky orzo pasta, and a luxurious sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce. Inspired by the famous “Marry Me Chicken,” this version adds orzo pasta to create a complete, comforting meal in a single pan. Garlic, parmesan cheese, spinach, and cream come together to form a velvety sauce that coats every bite. Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for cozy weeknights, date nights, or anytime you want an impressive yet easy dinner.
Key Takeaways
• One-pot complete meal
• Creamy parmesan sun-dried tomato sauce
• Tender juicy chicken
• Ready in 30 minutes
• Restaurant-quality comfort food at home
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish earns its name because the flavors are truly irresistible. The creamy sauce is balanced by tangy sun-dried tomatoes and savory parmesan, while orzo absorbs all the flavor as it cooks. Everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup simple and cooking stress-free. It feels elegant enough for special occasions but easy enough for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add dry orzo and stir for 1 minute to lightly toast.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo becomes tender and sauce thickens.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Add spinach and cooked chicken back into the pan, stirring until spinach wilts and sauce becomes creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add mushrooms for extra depth of flavor.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Finish with fresh basil for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo with garlic bread or a crisp green salad. A sprinkle of extra parmesan and cracked pepper gives it a restaurant-style finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition (Approx.)
Calories: 540 per serving
Protein: 36g
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 42g
FAQs
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
The dish is famously so delicious it’s jokingly said to inspire marriage proposals.
Can I use another pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, small pasta shapes work best, but cooking time may vary.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, though the sauce may thicken; add liquid when reheating.
Is this recipe spicy?
Only mildly if red pepper flakes are added; they are optional.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is creamy, comforting, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and a rich parmesan sun-dried tomato sauce, this one-pan meal delivers impressive results with minimal effort. Whether for a cozy dinner or special occasion, it’s a recipe worth falling in love with.