If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you absolutely have to try the Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe. This dish brings together tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with creamy, dreamy orzo, all cooked in one pot for effortless cleanup. Sun-dried tomatoes add a pop of tangy sweetness, while fresh spinach and basil brighten every bite. It’s a luscious mix of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress your family and friends — and maybe even inspire a proposal or two!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity but incredible depth of flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s the subtle heat from red pepper flakes or the creamy richness brought by Parmesan and heavy cream. Here’s everything you need before you start:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that stays juicy and tender throughout cooking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle spice and warmth.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden brown crust.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the dish an aromatic foundation that makes the kitchen smell amazing.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Their concentrated sweetness and tang add vibrant color and flavor.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: The liquid base that ties everything together with savory comfort.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously creamy sauce that coats the orzo perfectly.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: Tiny pasta that cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and umami that enrich every bite.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that complements Italian-inspired dishes beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy, slightly floral note to the mix.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that round out the flavor profile.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: Adds freshness, color, and a boost of nutrients.
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: Used as a fragrant garnish providing brightness and aroma.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for garnish): A final savory sprinkle that makes the dish irresistible.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by sprinkling salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika evenly over both sides of your chicken breasts. This seasoning combo is simple but incredibly flavorful, ensuring your chicken is the perfect base for this dish.
Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear each side for 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices and adds wonderful texture.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
With the chicken set aside, use the same skillet to sauté minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds. This quick sauté releases the garlic’s irresistible aroma and wakes up the pan for the next ingredients.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the sun-dried tomatoes to soften and their flavors to meld perfectly with the creamy base.
Step 5: Cook the Orzo with Herbs
Add the orzo pasta along with dried oregano, dried thyme, and Italian seasoning to the sauce. Stir everything well and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is tender and has soaked up most of the sauce, making every bite smooth and flavorful.
Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Pan
Place your seared chicken back into the skillet, cover, and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. This step finishes cooking the chicken through to an internal temperature of 165°F, allowing it to soak up those rich flavors.
Step 7: Add Parmesan and Spinach
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach. The cheese melts into the sauce, making it even creamier, while the spinach wilts slightly, adding freshness and a pop of green.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan over the top for that lovely finishing touch. Now your Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil and grated Parmesan are more than just pretty toppings — they enhance the flavors with their fragrant, nutty notes. Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon for brightness or a drizzle of good olive oil to elevate the richness further.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is a complete meal on its own, sides can be simple. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables complement it perfectly. Alternatively, some crusty garlic bread is fantastic for soaking up the luscious sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, plate individual servings in shallow bowls, making sure each piece of chicken is nestled into the creamy orzo. Garnish with whole basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a polished look. You can even add a few sun-dried tomato slices on top for extra color and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it just as tasty the next day. Just make sure to cover it tightly to keep the chicken juicy and the orzo creamy.
Freezing
You can freeze this delightful Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe if you want to save it for later. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and keep the orzo creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and can add more moisture and a slightly richer flavor to the dish. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is the red pepper flakes’ spice level adjustable?
Yes, the red pepper flakes are optional and can be completely omitted if you prefer no heat. Or, if you love spice, feel free to add a bit more to suit your taste.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind the final dish won’t be quite as rich and creamy. Adding a small amount of cream cheese can help maintain some creaminess too.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Since orzo is a wheat-based pasta, this recipe is not gluten-free as written. However, you can try using a gluten-free small pasta or rice instead, but cooking times may vary.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Using a meat thermometer is the easiest way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe is one of those magic dishes that brings comfort, elegance, and ease together in one pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, special dinners, or anytime you want to impress without stress. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and the way it fills the kitchen with irresistible smells. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, one-pot skillet meal featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and luscious heavy cream. The addition of orzo pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the rich flavors, while fresh spinach and basil add a bright, fresh finish. This comforting dish comes together quickly and makes for a delightful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
For Orzo and Flavor
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika for a flavorful crust.
- Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown color. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté aromatics. In the same skillet with the remaining oil and browned bits, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add tomatoes and liquids. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the orzo. Add orzo pasta along with dried oregano, thyme, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Finish cooking chicken. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, cover, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Add cheese and spinach. Remove the lid, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach. Cook just until the spinach wilts into the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and serve. Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish!
Notes
- For extra heat, leave the red pepper flakes in; omit them for a milder flavor.
- If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, use cherry tomatoes for a fresh variation.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
