Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful onepan meal that comes together quickly and effortlessly. It combines tender chicken with sundried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and orzo pasta for a comforting dinner that looks impressive but is simple to make. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss or a big cleanup.

I first made this recipe when I wanted to impress a date without spending hours in the kitchen. Now it’s a go to dinner that even my picky eaters ask for regularly.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: cut into bite sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tenderness
• Garlic powder: to season the chicken lightly with a mild garlic flavor
• Oil from the sundried tomatoes jar: adds a subtle fruity richness when cooking the chicken
• Fresh garlic: for the best aromatic flavor in the sauce, though jarred garlic is a fine substitute
• Chopped sundried tomatoes: bring tang and chewy texture; smaller pieces blend better in the dish
• Italian seasoning: to give herbal depth and classic Italian flavor
• Paprika: adds warmth and a little smoky undertone
• Lowsodium chicken broth: for moisture and mild savory notes; homemade broth or bone broth are excellent alternatives
• Orzo pasta: which cooks quickly and absorbs the creamy sauce nicely
• Heavy cream: essential for the lusciousness of the sauce; do not substitute with lighter creams for best results
• Packed baby spinach: adds freshness and color, plus a boost of greens
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: melts nicely and adds sharpness that rounds out the flavors

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken:

In a large mixing bowl add the cubed chicken. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly over the pieces and toss to coat. Heat oil from the sundried tomato jar in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this point but should start to brown.

Add Flavorings and Garlic:

Add the chopped sundried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, additional salt and pepper, and minced fresh garlic to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, usually about 30 seconds. This step develops the depth and brightness of the sauce.

Simmer with Broth and Orzo:

Pour in the lowsodium chicken broth and add the orzo pasta. Stir well to combine. Increase heat until it comes to a boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 to 13 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the orzo does not stick to the bottom of the pan. The orzo should become tender.

Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan:

Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, packed baby spinach, and half a cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Allow the spinach to wilt slightly as you gently mix. This creates the creamy, rich texture that defines the dish.

Serve and Garnish:

Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese over the top for garnish. Serve the dish hot directly from the pan.

Sundried tomatoes are my favorite ingredient here. Their tangy sweetness and chewy bite make this dish special every time. One of my favorite memories is making this meal on a chilly evening and having everyone gathered around the table, savoring the creamy bite after bite. It really does feel like a warm hug in food form.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days and reheats nicely on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to bring it back together. Avoid freezing due to the cream content.

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken thighs can replace breasts if you prefer dark meat which stays juicy and adds richness. Vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian twist if you swap the chicken for a plantbased protein. If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can work, but fresh garlic provides the best flavor impact. You can swap parmesan for pecorino Romano for a sharper cheese note though it is saltier so adjust seasoning accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness. A crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce and add a satisfying carb element. Garlic bread is a fantastic pairing that adds garlic depth and crunch.

This creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo comes together quickly and makes an impressive yet simple weeknight meal. Garnish with extra parmesan and serve hot.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Crusty bread, garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a fresh side salad complement the creamy chicken and orzo beautifully. Steamed vegetables also add a nice, light contrast.

→ Can I adjust the flavors to be spicier or more tomato-forward?

Yes, adding a tablespoon of tomato paste boosts tomato flavor, while red pepper flakes add a spicy kick. You can also mix in vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture.

→ Is it possible to substitute orzo with other starches?

Orzo works best here, but alternatives like gnocchi, rice, or larger pasta may be used with adjusted cooking times and liquid. Keep in mind the texture and cooking time differences.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Gently reheat on the stove to maintain creaminess and flavor.

→ Can this dish be frozen for later use?

Freezing is not recommended due to the heavy cream, which may separate upon thawing and reheating, affecting texture and taste.