If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe brilliantly combines tender, flavorful chicken with creamy orzo pasta, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum deliciousness. Every bite bursts with the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, fresh herbs, and cheesy goodness, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients that work together to create incredible flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays a unique role, from the tender chicken breasts providing hearty protein to the fresh basil adding a bright, aromatic finish.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that cooks beautifully and soaks up the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a smoky, warm depth to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For perfectly searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with savory richness and irresistible aroma.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat to awaken your taste buds.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Adds tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: The cooking liquid that keeps the orzo tender and flavorful.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 cup orzo pasta: The tender, pasta base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty goodness that melts right into the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy herbaceous notes that complement the savory ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: A subtle herbal aroma that lifts the dish.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic blend that harmonizes all the herbs and spices.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped: For a fresh, leafy green boost that wilts perfectly into the creamy sauce.
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: Bright and fragrant, sprinkled on at the end for a fresh finish.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for garnish): Adds a final cheesy flourish when serving.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken a simple but flavorful makeover. Season those boneless, skinless breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This seasoning combo will create a beautiful crust and infuse the chicken with a smoky warmth that’s absolutely divine.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. This step locks in the juices and builds that amazing flavor base—then set the chicken aside for the next part.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Let them cook for just 30 seconds to release their fragrant oils without burning, setting the stage for the rich sauce to come.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Now add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream right into the skillet. Give everything a good stir and bring it to a gentle simmer. The creamy broth will soften the tomatoes and create a luscious sauce that’s full of depth and flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Orzo
Add the orzo pasta along with dried oregano, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Stir well so the pasta is evenly coated and submerged in the sauce. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo turns perfectly tender and creamy.
Step 6: Return Chicken to Skillet
Gently nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, covering the orzo and sauce. Cover with a lid and let the chicken finish cooking for 5-7 minutes. This ensures it reaches a safe 165°F internal temperature while soaking up the flavors from the sauce.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Greens
Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach. The cheese will melt beautifully into the sauce, and the spinach will wilt into tender, vibrant green leaves, adding freshness and color to the dish.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the fresh chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese on top for an aromatic and cheesy finishing touch. Your Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish even further, fresh basil and extra Parmesan are your best friends. They add a burst of herbal freshness and creamy saltiness that brighten every bite. Consider a light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an added zing.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes, such as a crisp garden salad or garlic bread. The lightness of these sides balances the creamy, savory richness of the chicken and orzo, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish straight from the skillet for a rustic, homestyle vibe, or plate it elegantly with the chicken sliced against the grain on a bed of orzo. Using a bright white plate can really make those colors pop, making your dinner spread visually irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, so leftovers can taste even better!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the dish before adding fresh spinach and basil to preserve their texture. Store in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir in fresh spinach and basil after reheating to restore that fresh brightness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here and offer a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture. Adjust the cooking time to ensure thighs are cooked through.
Is it okay to use dried spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is preferred for its vibrant color and texture, but if needed, dried spinach can work. Add it earlier in the cooking process to allow it time to rehydrate properly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas. The orzo sauce is rich enough to support these changes beautifully.
What type of orzo do you recommend?
Regular orzo pasta works best for this dish. Avoid whole wheat or gluten-free varieties unless you’re comfortable with their slightly different textures and cooking times.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it before serving?
Yes, you can prepare the recipe ahead and refrigerate it. Just keep fresh spinach and herbs separate and stir them in fresh when reheating so they don’t lose their texture and brightness.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe enough for anyone who loves a comforting, flavor-packed meal without the hassle of multiple dishes. It’s a true gem that feels fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight win. Give it a try, and watch how it quickly becomes a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory blend of sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and creamy sauce, served over perfectly cooked orzo pasta with fresh spinach and basil garnish. It’s a comforting and elegant meal that comes together quickly and easily in one skillet.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to infuse flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt to build the foundation for the sauce.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to start melding the flavors.
- Cook the Orzo: Add the orzo pasta, dried oregano, dried thyme, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is cooked through and juicy.
- Incorporate Cheese and Spinach: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt into the creamy sauce, enhancing texture and freshness.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with the chopped fresh basil and extra grated Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal.
- Enjoy: Serve the creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo warm for a satisfying and comforting one-pot meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, keep or increase the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Use chicken broth with low sodium to better control the salt level in the dish.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby kale or Swiss chard as desired.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- This dish can be served with a side of garlic bread or a light salad for a fuller meal.
