Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One Pot) Recipe

I absolutely love this Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One Pot) Recipe because it brings comfort and elegance all in one skillet. You get tender chicken infused with rich flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and paprika, all mingling with creamy orzo that soaks up every bit of goodness. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough to impress guests but is simple enough for a midweek dinner rescue.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised at how the one-pot method saved me from a mountain of dishes while still delivering restaurant-quality taste. If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together fast, this Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One Pot) Recipe is definitely one to bookmark. Plus, the creamy spinach finish adds a fresh touch that keeps it balanced and satisfying.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here work together to build those unforgettable layers of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy flavors. I suggest grabbing good-quality sun-dried tomatoes in oil for maximum richness and freshly grated Parmesan to elevate this dish.

• Chicken breast: I usually chop mine into bite-size chunks so they cook evenly and absorb all the flavors.
• Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil or oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar intensifies the tomato flavor perfectly.
• Garlic cloves: Crushing them releases more aroma, giving the dish that irresistible garlicky depth.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil): These are the heart of the flavor here—drain but keep a little oil for cooking.
• Oregano: Adds a classic Mediterranean herbal note that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
• Paprika: Gives a smoky warmth without overpowering the dish.
• Orzo: This little pasta cooks quickly and soaks up the creamy sauce amazingly well.
• Hot chicken stock: Essential for cooking the orzo and adding savory depth.
• Double cream: Creates that lush, velvety sauce that makes this meal feel indulgent.
• Parmesan: Freshly grated for that rich, nutty umami punch.
• Spinach: Adds gorgeous color and a mild, fresh flavor that balances the creaminess.
• Freshly ground black pepper: To finish with a subtle peppery kick.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One Pot) Recipe quite a bit, and it’s fun to customize based on what you have or your dietary needs. You can make it simpler or more decadent, depending on your mood.

• Using chicken thighs: I sometimes swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs—they stay moist and tender but take a little longer to cook, about 7-8 minutes upfront.
• Adding mushrooms: Throwing in some sautéed mushrooms adds an earthy richness that I find irresistible.
• Dairy-free option: Replace double cream with coconut cream and skip Parmesan for a creamy yet dairy-free twist.
• Herb swaps: Feel free to try fresh basil or thyme instead of oregano if you want a different herby aroma.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One Pot) Recipe

Step 1: Sear the chicken until golden

Heat your olive oil or the flavorful oil from your sun-dried tomatoes jar in a large deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space to let them brown nicely. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides have that golden edge — this step locks in juiciness and builds a tasty base.

Step 2: Build the flavor with aromatics and spices

Turn the heat down a bit and add the crushed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir everything well and let it gently cook for about 3-5 minutes. You’ll notice the garlic softens, and the aroma will fill your kitchen—that’s your cue that the flavors are developing beautifully.

Step 3: Add orzo and stock, simmer covered

Now stir in the orzo, pour in the hot chicken stock, and add freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly, then cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook for 10 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on it so the orzo cooks evenly and soaks up that flavorful liquid.

Step 4: Finish with spinach, cream, and Parmesan

Turn the heat down to the lowest setting, add the fresh spinach and double cream, then stir well. Let the spinach wilt gently and the cream warm through—this takes about 1 to 3 minutes. Check the chicken pieces to make sure they’re thoroughly cooked. Once satisfied, turn off the heat and mix in the freshly grated Parmesan for that rich, cheesy finish.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One Pot) Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling extra freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves on top—this adds freshness and a little pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving also brightens everything up wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Since this Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One Pot) Recipe is quite filling, I usually keep sides light—think a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted seasonal veggies like asparagus or green beans for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this in shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and scatter toasted pine nuts on top for crunch. Garnishing with edible flowers or herbs elevates the presentation and makes guests feel really special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually meld more, making it taste even better the next day.

Freezing

Freezing Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One Pot) Recipe works if you really want to batch cook, but I recommend leaving out the cream and spinach at first. Freeze the chicken, orzo, and sauce separately, then add fresh cream and spinach when reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm it on the stovetop with a splash of cream or stock to keep the orzo creamy and prevent it from drying out. Microwave works too—just cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between for even warmth.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One Pot) Recipe is truly one of my go-to dishes when I want something comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free. I love how it combines tender chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and luxuriously creamy orzo all in one pan with minimal effort. If you try it once, you’ll understand why my family keeps asking me to make it again and again – and I’m pretty sure you’ll feel the same. So grab your skillet and give it a go—you might just have found your new favorite weeknight dinner!

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