Marry Me Chicken Orzo 💍🍗 Creamy, Garlicky, One-Pan Magic That’s Built to Impress
Marry Me Chicken Orzo takes the viral favorite and folds it into a one-pan wonder — golden chicken, velvety cream sauce, and tender orzo pasta, all finished with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s easy, elevated comfort food that tastes like more effort than it is.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, chopped)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or half & half)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Optional: 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
- Fresh basil or parsley, for finish
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
In the same pan, reduce heat and sauté garlic and chili flakes for 30 seconds. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Toast the orzo for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Simmer the Orzo
Add broth and cream. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and sauce is creamy.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Stir in Parmesan and optional spinach until wilted. Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the orzo. Simmer uncovered 2–3 minutes more until heated through.
Step 5: Serve
Top with chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot — creamy, cheesy, deeply flavorful, and utterly comforting.
Flavor Variations
- Add sautéed mushrooms or peas with the orzo
- Use lemon zest or a splash of white wine for brightness
- Swap Parmesan for Gruyère or fontina for richness
- Try shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist
Pro Tips
- Toasting orzo deepens its flavor and helps it stay al dente
- Use low-sodium broth to keep seasoning in check
- Sauce thickens as it cools — loosen with a splash of broth or cream if needed
- Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy
Serving Ideas
- Serve with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a fresh arugula salad
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for meal prep
- Add extra broth if you want it more like a creamy stew or soup
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is cozy, satisfying, and full of bold flavor — creamy, tangy, and loaded with richness in every bite. It’s the ultimate one-pan dinner that proves simple ingredients can do big things.
Sear it. Simmer it. Say yes to the sauce. 💍🍗🍲
💍 Explore Marry Me Dinner Recipes
Rich, creamy, and irresistibly comforting — these “Marry Me” dishes are the kind of meals that win hearts (and second helpings). Perfect for date nights, cozy dinners, or just impressing yourself.
🍗 Marry Me Chicken Recipe – The viral sensation: creamy, sun-dried tomato chicken that lives up to the name.
🍝 Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – That same bold flavor wrapped in a creamy pasta hug.
🥣 Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe – Cozy, creamy, and packed with savory depth.
🐟 Marry Me Salmon Recipe – A buttery, sun-dried tomato twist on your favorite fish.
🍲 Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe – Creamy orzo meets juicy chicken in a one-pan stunner.
🫕 Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe – Same flavor magic, made even easier in the slow cooker.
🌱 Marry Me Chickpea Recipe – A plant-based version with creamy sauce and tender chickpeas.
🍤 Marry Me Shrimp Pasta Recipe – Sweet shrimp meets a silky, tomato-cream sauce.
🥓 Keto Marry Me Chicken Recipe – Low-carb but still full of bold flavor and creamy goodness.