If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor, Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} is about to become your new go-to. This easy, all-in-one meal showcases tender chicken nestled in creamy, sun-dried tomato-studded orzo, finished with a flourish of Parmesan and fresh herbs. With just one pot, you’ll get juicy chicken, buttery pasta, and a dreamy sauce—no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table say “wow” and reach for seconds—trust me, it’s love at first bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish is how each simple ingredient brings something special—whether it’s creaminess, savory depth, or a pop of color—and together, they create an unforgettable Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} experience. Don’t skip or swap these if you can help it!
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs are extra juicy for richness, but chicken breasts work great for a leaner result.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every bite and making the flavors pop.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth that balances the creamy sauce.
- Garlic powder: Provides a background savory note that anchors the flavor base.
- Olive oil: Gives the chicken that irresistible golden sear.
- Butter: Adds luxurious richness and helps build the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh, bold flavor that perfumes the whole dish (don’t skimp!).
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle kick—add more or less to taste.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Intensely savory-sweet, they give the sauce a burst of tangy depth.
- Dried oregano: Classic herb brings an aromatic, Italian-inspired touch.
- Dried thyme: Lends a subtle earthiness that ties all the flavors together.
- Orzo pasta (uncooked): Cooks right in the sauce and soaks up every delicious note.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the orzo with savory goodness as it simmers.
- Heavy cream: The key to ultra-silky, decadent sauce—no substitutions recommended!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, sharp, and melts perfectly for creaminess and flavor.
- Baby spinach: Adds a fresh, vibrant color and a nutritional boost.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): A bright, herby finish lifts everything up.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot}
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken thighs or breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder—rubbing everything in so the flavor goes all the way through. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, and lay the chicken in gently. Let each side sizzle for 4 to 5 minutes until beautifully golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken out and keep it cozy on a plate for later. Browning the chicken now means you’ll get loads of savory flavor in your final dish.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Base
In the same pan (don’t wipe it out, all those tasty browned bits are pure gold), drop in the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) and sauté just until fragrant—about a minute or so. Your kitchen should already smell incredible! Next, toss in the sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, and the uncooked orzo. Stir constantly to coat the orzo in the garlicky, herby butter; this step ensures every bite of pasta will be loaded with flavor.
Step 3: Simmer the Orzo
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any tasty brown bits on the bottom of the pan, and bring everything up to a gentle boil. As soon as it starts bubbling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick—you’re aiming for tender, al dente pasta that’s absorbed most of the glorious broth by the end of this step.
Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Once the orzo is just right, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Give everything a good mix until it becomes luxuriously creamy. Then tumble in the baby spinach leaves. They’ll wilt quickly and add gorgeous green color as well as that fresh boost. This is when Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} truly comes together as pure comfort food.
Step 5: Reunite and Finish
Slide your chicken back into the pan, nestling each piece into the creamy orzo. Let everything warm together for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors can mingle and the chicken is heated back through. Finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a flurry of chopped fresh basil or parsley for an inviting final touch. Serve hot, and get ready for swoons!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot}
Garnishes
The crowning touch for Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} is a generous shower of chopped fresh basil or parsley, plus one last hit of Parmesan right before serving. This not only brightens the whole dish but gives each bite a fragrant, fresh lift—don’t skip these, even if you’re in a hurry!
Side Dishes
While this is a seriously satisfying one-pot meal, you can round out your table with a simple green salad, garlicky steamed green beans, or crusty bread for soaking up every speck of sauce. A glass of chilled white wine is a perfect pairing if you’re feeling fancy on a weeknight.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try serving Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} straight from a large, rustic skillet at the center of your table, family-style. For date night, plate each portion in shallow bowls, drape a piece of chicken over a mound of orzo, and finish with a swirl of good olive oil and extra fresh herbs for restaurant-worthy flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, pack your leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} will keep beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors get even dreamier as they meld together overnight.
Freezing
For longer storage, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers. The creamy sauce may thicken a bit after freezing, but everything will still taste wonderful. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen things if needed. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. The chicken stays juicy, and the orzo returns to its original creamy glory.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both work beautifully in Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot}. Thighs add more richness and stay extra juicy, while breasts offer a leaner cut—just be careful not to overcook for the most tender results.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead?
Yes! You can prep Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} a day in advance and simply reheat when ready to serve. Add a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce before warming through.
What if I don’t have orzo? Any alternatives?
If orzo isn’t in your pantry, you can try small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous, but orzo holds the sauce especially well and is worth seeking out for this recipe’s perfect texture.
How can I make this vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and proceed as usual. The flavors are just as delicious and satisfying in this meatless spin.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, peas, or chopped kale all make wonderful additions. Fold them in when you add the spinach so everything cooks together without losing its freshness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} enough—it’s truly a special dish that delivers big comfort and even bigger flavor, all with easy cleanup. Give it a try and see why everyone falls head over heels for this creamy, one-pot wonder. Your next cozy dinner is just a pot away!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a delightful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken with creamy orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a flavorful sauce. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Orzo:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Orzo: In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and orzo. Pour in chicken broth and simmer until orzo is al dente.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in cream and Parmesan. Add spinach, return chicken to the pan. Warm through. Garnish with basil or parsley.
Notes
- For extra richness, use boneless thighs instead of breasts.
- You can also add mushrooms or swap spinach for kale.
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop (One Pot)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
