Name: Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tuscan/Italian
Ingredients: 650 g chicken breast (skinless, boneless, chopped, about 4 pieces); 1 tbsp olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar); 3 garlic cloves (peeled and crushed); 170 g sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained); 1 tsp oregano; 2 tsp paprika; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 250 g orzo; 650 ml hot chicken stock; 150 ml double cream; 50 g Parmesan cheese (grated); 120 g spinach

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor but easy enough to whip up on a weeknight, you’re going to love this one. I’m talking about my all-time favorite Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe. It’s everything you want from a comforting dinner—creamy, cheesy, a little tangy from those sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly tender chicken—all cooked in one pot to keep things simple. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Let me walk you through why this recipe is such a keeper!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup because everything cooks together in one pan—game changer on busy nights.
Rich, Comforting Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce make this dish irresistibly tasty and cozy.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.
Family Favorite: I’ve watched even the pickiest eaters finish their plates—and ask for more!

The image shows a creamy orange-yellow risotto mixed with pieces of shredded white chicken, green spinach leaves, and pieces of red sun-dried tomatoes. On the left side, there is a layer of finely grated pale yellow cheese topped with black pepper. A silver spoon is partially submerged on the right side of the dish, resting against the creamy risotto. The entire dish is in a round white bowl, set on a white marbled surface. The texture of the risotto is thick and rich with visible bits of ingredients mixed throughout photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its part to bring layers of flavor and texture to this Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe. The orzo cooks up creamy and tender right in the broth, while sun-dried tomatoes add just the right pop of tangy sweetness.

Chicken breast: I use skinless, boneless chicken cut into chunks so it cooks quickly and evenly.
Olive oil: Or sometimes the oil from your jar of sun-dried tomatoes—adds extra flavor without extra steps.
Garlic cloves: Fresh and crushed to release that delicious aromatic punch.
Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil): Drain them well, but keep a bit of that oil for richness in the dish.
Oregano: Brings a subtle herbal note that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and wonderful depth of flavor.
Orzo: This tiny pasta cooks super quickly and soaks up all the tasty sauce.
Hot chicken stock: Essential for cooking the orzo and giving the whole dish that lovely savory base.
Double cream: For that rich, luscious finish that makes this recipe feel indulgent.
Parmesan: Grated at the end to melt in and add cheesy goodness.
Spinach: Added at the last minute for a fresh, green boost that wilts right into the creamy sauce.
Freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning—never underestimate the power of freshly cracked pepper!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in my fridge—feel free to get creative with your Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Vegetarian: Swap chicken for cooked chickpeas or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. The flavors still shine!
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne when cooking the garlic for a little heat that wakes up the dish.
Green Boost: Toss in kale or swiss chard along with spinach to amp up the nutrients and texture.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of double cream and nutritional yeast for the parmesan if you want a dairy-free twist.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the chicken until golden

Start by heating your olive oil (or the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar—a sneaky flavor booster!) over medium heat in a large, deep frying pan. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add those chicken pieces. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. You want to get a nice golden color on all sides, but don’t worry about cooking them through just yet. This step builds the dish’s foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it.

Step 2: Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spices

Turn the heat down a bit and toss in the crushed garlic, drained sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir it all together and let those garlic cloves soften for about 3-5 minutes. This is where the kitchen fills with those amazing Italian-inspired aromas that make your mouth water.

Step 3: Cook the orzo in stock

Now, add your orzo, hot chicken stock, and a few grinds of black pepper to the pan. Give everything a good stir to make sure nothing sticks, then cover with a lid. You want to cook this for about 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the orzo is just about done—tender but still with a little bite. This is the magic step where the orzo soaks up all that rich, flavorful stock.

Step 4: Finish with spinach, cream, and parmesan

Turn your heat down to the lowest setting. Add the fresh spinach and double cream, stirring really well so everything combines into a luscious creamy sauce. The spinach will wilt gently in a minute or two. Before turning off the heat, double-check that your chicken is cooked through—no pink spots, juicy and tender. Finally, stir in that freshly grated parmesan so it melts perfectly into the sauce. And voilà, your Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe is ready to serve.

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Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe

Use the Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: I always save and use the oil from the jar—it infuses the chicken with extra tangy richness that’s subtle but impactful.
Keep the Lid On While Cooking: To ensure the orzo cooks evenly and absorbs all the stock, resist the urge to lift the lid too often.
Check Chicken for Doneness: Cut a piece to check it’s opaque all the way through; you don’t want undercooked chicken, but it also dries out fast if overcooked.
Don’t Skip the Parmesan: It adds a salty, nutty depth that ties the whole dish together—trust me, it’s worth the extra step.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe

A close-up top view of a creamy risotto dish in a round white bowl, showing a rich, thick texture with orange color from the sauce, mixed with visible green spinach leaves scattered throughout. There are pieces of white chicken evenly spread inside, along with bits of sun-dried tomatoes adding pops of deep red. The center of the dish is topped with a sprinkling of finely grated cheese, creating a light cream-colored area with black pepper flakes on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, emphasizing the vibrant colors of the risotto photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to scatter a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving adds a silky finish that makes everything feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully. Roasted vegetables or crusty garlic bread are also superb companions for mopping up all that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, I like serving this in shallow bowls sprinkled with extra parmesan and fresh herbs. Adding a few halved cherry tomatoes on top gives a pop of color and a fresh bite that everyone loves. You can even garnish with toasted pine nuts for a crunchy contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they usually keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible, but I’ve found that the cream can sometimes separate a bit when reheated. If you do freeze, cool completely before freezing in portions, and thaw slowly in the fridge overnight to help keep the texture better.

Reheating

The best way I found is gently reheating in a pan on low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if it’s a bit thick. Microwave works in a pinch, but I prefer the stovetop method to keep it creamy and avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo for this recipe?

Orzo works best because it cooks quickly and blends nicely into the creamy sauce, but if you want to use something else, choose small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells. Just keep in mind cooking times and liquid ratios might need tweaking.
What can I substitute for double cream in this Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe?

If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese, but the sauce won’t be as rich and velvety. For dairy-free, coconut cream works as a good alternative to keep the texture creamy.
How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Cut into the thickest piece to check that the meat is opaque, without any pink inside. The juices should run clear. Cooking the chicken chunks evenly and not overcrowding the pan helps with thorough cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can chop and prep the ingredients in advance, but I recommend cooking it fresh for best texture and flavor. If you do make ahead, reheat gently and add a bit of stock or water to loosen the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe has become my go-to comfort meal that always impresses whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or a casual dinner with friends. It’s one of those dishes that manages to feel fancy without any fuss—which is just what I look for in my busy week. I can’t wait for you to try it and tell me how it went because honestly, it’s a recipe that really deserves a place in your regular rotation.