The Dreamy Marry Me Chicken with Orzo Recipe That Wins Hearts

A creamy marry me chicken with orzo promises culinary magic that might just spark romance at your dinner table.

Tender chicken nestles into a luscious sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs.

Parmesan cheese adds richness while creating depth of flavor.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully crafted bite.

Fragrant basil and garlic dance together, creating an irresistible aroma.

Weeknight dinners can feel special and elegant with this simple yet impressive dish.

Grab a fork and fall in love with every single bite.

Reasons To Try One-Pan Marry Me Chicken With Orzo

• Crush Cooking Complexity: Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe breaks down intimidating cooking steps into simple, manageable actions that anyone can master.
• Streamline Kitchen Cleanup: With just one pan required, this dish minimizes dishes and reduces post-meal kitchen chaos, making cooking and cleaning a breeze.
• Pack Flavor in Every Bite: Combining sun-dried tomatoes, creamy Parmesan, tender chicken, and fresh spinach creates a restaurant-quality meal that bursts with incredible taste sensations right at home.
• Create Comfort on a Plate: This hearty, satisfying recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

All You Need For One-Pan Marry Me Chicken With Orzo

• Chicken Pieces: Tender and flavorful meat that forms the main protein of the dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential spices that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a rich, savory base and aromatic foundation for the dish.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach: Add depth of flavor and nutritional value to the recipe.

• Orzo Pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta that serves as the primary starch and absorbs the delicious cooking liquids.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional flavor to cook the orzo.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce that binds the dish together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, adding flavor and preventing sticking.

Step By Step One-Pan Marry Me Chicken With Orzo Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté until onions become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Base

• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• Orzo pasta

Coat the orzo in the flavorful oils from the skillet. Pour chicken broth into the pan and bring to a boil, allowing the orzo to start cooking.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Reduce heat to low. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the orzo. Cover and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

• Heavy cream
• Chopped spinach

Stir gently, allowing spinach to wilt and cream to create a luxurious sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is well incorporated.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a silky, rich sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Serve the chicken and orzo piping hot. Optional garnishes include extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or chopped parsley. Dive into this comforting, one-pan wonder that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Helpful Hints For One-Pan Marry Me Chicken With Orzo

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken in Italian seasoning and salt for at least 15 minutes before cooking to enhance depth of taste.
• Prevent Orzo Sticking: Stir orzo frequently during cooking and add a splash of extra broth if it starts to stick to the pan.
• Make It Lighter: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lower-calorie version without sacrificing creaminess.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative and use vegetable broth for a meat-free option.
• Perfect Texture Trick: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow orzo to absorb remaining liquid and become perfectly tender.

Creative Takes On One-Pan Marry Me Chicken With Orzo

• Mediterranean Herb Swap: Replace Italian seasoning with a blend of dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a more intense Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, keeping the same cooking method and seasonings for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Replace orzo with riced cauliflower to create a lower-carbohydrate meal while maintaining the same creamy texture and flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for those avoiding dairy products.

What Goes Well With One-Pan Marry Me Chicken With Orzo

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the creamy richness, offering a bright, refreshing contrast that elevates the chicken's savory flavors.
• Complement with Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Toss together cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta to create a light, zesty side that balances the dish's creamy texture and adds vibrant freshness.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted rustic bread with garlic butter provides a crunchy element that soaks up the delicious sauce, adding an extra layer of comfort and flavor to the meal.

Easy Storage For One-Pan Marry Me Chicken With Orzo

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled chicken and orzo to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate chicken from orzo to maintain better texture when reheating.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm gently in skillet over low heat. Add small amount of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Top Questions About One-Pan Marry Me Chicken With Orzo

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this one-pan chicken and orzo dish can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain its creamy texture.

• Can I use different types of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! You can substitute orzo with similar small pasta like Israeli couscous, small shells, or risoni. Just adjust cooking liquid and time slightly to match the pasta type.

• How can I make this recipe lighter or healthier?

To lighten the dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, choose skinless chicken breasts, reduce Parmesan cheese amount, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more nutrition.

Marry Me Chicken with Orzo Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible marry me chicken with orzo promises culinary romance on a single plate. Creamy parmesan sauce and tender chicken create a comforting meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (450 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Starches:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Dairy and Cream:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Oils and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 375°F.
2. Sear chicken pieces until golden brown, approximately 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent, around 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing aromatic flavors.
4. Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes and orzo pasta, stirring to coat evenly with remaining skillet oils and aromatics.
5. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, bringing the mixture to a rapid boil. Reduce heat to low, return chicken to the pan, and cover.
6. Simmer for 10-11 minutes, allowing orzo to absorb liquid and become tender. Gently stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Mix in heavy cream and fresh spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and integrates completely.
8. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Plate the one-pan dish, garnishing with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for enhanced presentation and flavor.

Notes

• Chicken Selection Matters: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs that are similar in size to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out.
• Seasoning Technique: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance flavor absorption.
• Liquid Adjustment: Keep extra chicken broth nearby in case orzo needs more moisture during cooking to prevent sticking or burning.
• Dietary Modifications: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use cauliflower rice instead of orzo for a low-carb alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg