If you’re looking for a quick and comforting dinner that tastes like something straight from a restaurant, this Marry Me Chicken Orzo is it. Creamy, flavorful, and made in just one pan, it’s a simple weeknight recipe that feels special enough for guests.
This dish combines everything we love about the classic Marry Me Chicken — juicy chicken, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan — but turns it into a complete pasta dinner with tender orzo cooked right in the sauce. It’s cozy, creamy, and ready in just half an hour.
A single skillet brings everything together beautifully: soft orzo soaking up all that rich Tuscan-inspired flavor, chicken cooked to golden perfection, and a silky cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s the perfect recipe when you want something easy but indulgent.
If you’ve made Marry Me Chicken before, you already know why it’s so famous — those irresistible flavors of tomato, parmesan, and cream are simply unbeatable. This version is even better because you don’t need any side dishes or extra pots. Dinner is done, start to finish, in one pan.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Orzo
⭐ Quick and fuss-free – Ready in 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
⭐ One pot = less cleanup – Everything cooks together, from the chicken to the pasta.
⭐ Rich and creamy – The sauce is full of garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomato flavor.
⭐ Family-approved – Kids and adults both love this comforting, cheesy pasta.
We love serving this dish straight from the pan with warm crusty bread to scoop up the sauce. You can even lighten it up by swapping the heavy cream for crème fraîche or a little sour cream — it stays creamy but adds a subtle tang.
This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is the kind of meal that always earns compliments. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or an easy weekend comfort meal, it delivers every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Marry Me Chicken Orzo, you’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients that create big flavor.
- Chicken breast – Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Olive oil – You can also use the flavorful oil from the sun-dried tomato jar.
- Garlic – Fresh is best, but jarred or frozen minced garlic works too.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – Use the kind packed in oil for maximum flavor.
- Dried oregano – Adds that classic Italian-inspired touch.
- Paprika – For warmth and a subtle smoky note.
- Orzo pasta – A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks directly in the sauce.
- Chicken stock – The base of your sauce; use a good-quality stock for depth.
- Double cream (heavy cream) – Makes the sauce silky and rich.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for the best taste and texture.
- Spinach – Baby spinach works best; it wilts quickly into the creamy sauce.
- Black pepper – To season and balance the creamy flavors.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo
This recipe couldn’t be simpler — it’s the ultimate one pot dinner.
Step 1 – Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to turn golden on the edges.
Step 2 – Add Flavor:
Lower the heat slightly and stir in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the garlic softens.
Step 3 – Add Orzo and Stock:
Pour in the orzo and chicken stock. Season with black pepper, stir well, then cover with a lid. Let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4 – Make It Creamy:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the spinach and cream. Mix gently until the spinach has wilted and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
Step 5 – Finish with Parmesan:
Turn off the heat and fold in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve immediately.
Tip:
If the mixture becomes too thick before the orzo is fully cooked, add a splash of hot water or extra stock to loosen it up.
Marry Me Chicken Orzo – Creamy One Pot Pasta in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 min
Ingredients
650 g (1.4 lb) boneless chicken breast, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
3 garlic cloves, minced
170 g (6 oz) sun-dried tomatoes, drained
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp paprika
250 g (9 oz) orzo pasta
650 ml (2.75 cups) hot chicken stock
150 ml (¾ cup) double cream (heavy cream)
50 g (2 oz) grated parmesan
120 g (4 oz) baby spinach
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes until golden.
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Stir in garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Cook for another 3 minutes.
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Add the orzo, stock, and black pepper. Stir, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Lower the heat, add the cream and spinach, and stir until the spinach wilts.
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Turn off the heat, stir in parmesan, and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
