Marry Me Chicken Orzo (One Pot)

If you love rich, creamy pasta dishes with a touch of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan, this one-pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo will be your new favorite meal. It’s packed with juicy chicken, tender orzo, and a luscious, velvety sauce—perfect for a cozy night in.

The best part? It’s all made in one pot for easy cooking and cleanup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ One-Pot Magic – Minimal dishes, maximum flavor.

✔ Rich & Creamy – But not too heavy! Balanced with spinach and tomatoes.

✔ Quick & Easy – 30-minute meal, great for weeknights.

✔ Perfectly Savory – A dreamy mix of parmesan, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.

✔ Crowd-Pleasing – A family favorite with restaurant-quality taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce & Orzo:

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
1 ½ cups orzo pasta
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups baby spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice (for freshness)

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo

1. Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Sear the chicken until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, melt butter and add garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes.

3. Cook the Orzo

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well.
Add orzo pasta and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add Cheese & Spinach

Once orzo is tender, stir in Parmesan cheese, spinach, and lemon juice.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs, then serve warm!

Serving Suggestions

✔ With Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

✔ With a Side Salad – A light arugula or Caesar salad pairs beautifully.

✔ With Roasted Veggies – Serve with asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.

Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Orzo

🔹 Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Melts smoothly into the sauce.

🔹 Don’t Overcook the Orzo – Keep it al dente for the best texture.

🔹 Adjust the Spice – Add more or less red pepper flakes based on your preference.

🔹 For a Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay extra juicy.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes, but orzo absorbs liquid as it sits. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

How Do I Store & Reheat Leftovers?

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat with a little broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Yes! Use gluten-free orzo or rice instead.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Comfort Food!

This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is creamy, cozy, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a special date night, or meal prepping, this one-pot dish is a winner every time!

Try it out and get ready for lots of compliments! 😊

Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot}