If you’re searching for a show-stopping dinner that comes together in one pan and tastes like pure comfort, Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} is your new kitchen hero. This creamy, flavor-packed dish blends juicy, seared chicken with tender orzo pasta, all swirled in a dreamy sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce. Each bite feels like an invitation to fall in love with cooking (and maybe win over a few hearts at the dinner table). It’s weeknight-friendly yet restaurant-worthy, and you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation after just one taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} are straightforward, but each one brings something special to the table—whether it’s richness, a burst of color, or a layer of bold flavor. Gather these pantry staples and fresh touches for a meal that truly wows.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts soak up the sauce and cook up juicy and tender every time.
- Olive oil: Adds a savory, golden sear to the chicken and helps sauté the aromatics.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors in both the chicken and the sauce.
- Black pepper: Gives just the right hint of warmth and depth.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with mellow, savory flavor before searing.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an instant Mediterranean flair.
- Garlic (fresh): Minced garlic is the backbone of savory flavor in the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring a pop of tangy-sweet brightness and a beautiful red hue.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the sauce’s color and adds rich, umami intensity.
- Chicken broth: Used in two stages for added moisture and depth—don’t skip it!
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety sauce you’ll want to lick off your spoon.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts in for salty, nutty richness.
- Orzo pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a subtle, crave-worthy heat.
- Fresh basil: Chopped basil adds a fragrant, fresh finish and a pop of green.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the whole dish with color and a mild herbal note.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot}
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and sprinkling them all over with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This simple seasoning locks in juicy flavor and preps the chicken for that beautiful, golden sear.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Lay the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they develop a golden crust. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through—they’ll finish in the sauce later. Remove the chicken and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pan (don’t clean it out; those brown bits are flavor gold), add your minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, letting them sizzle and release their aroma. Pour in half a cup of chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits for extra savory depth.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. The sauce will quickly turn creamy and luxurious, with a gorgeous color from the tomatoes. Make sure everything is well combined before adding the orzo.
Step 5: Add Orzo and Simmer
Pour in the uncooked orzo and the rest of your chicken broth. Give everything a good stir, then nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pan, making sure they’re tucked into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle the chopped basil and parsley over the top. The herbs add a burst of freshness and color that makes Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve hot and get ready to swoon!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot}
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! A generous shower of fresh basil and parsley, plus a little extra Parmesan, makes each serving of Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} pop with color and fragrance. For a touch of luxury, try a drizzle of olive oil or a few extra sun-dried tomato pieces on top.
Side Dishes
This dish is practically a complete meal, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or a platter of roasted vegetables keeps things light and fresh. And of course, a warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} family-style in your prettiest skillet. Or, slice the chicken and arrange it over individual bowls of orzo for a bistro-inspired presentation. You can even portion it into ramekins and broil with extra Parmesan for a golden, bubbly finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} keeps beautifully! Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or a second round of cozy dinners.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce and orzo are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that the sauce may thicken slightly upon thawing, but a splash of broth or cream will revive it.
Reheating
To reheat, add a little chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until hot throughout. Garnish with fresh herbs to bring back that just-cooked flavor!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a deliciously juicy alternative and hold up well during simmering. They add a bit more richness, so feel free to swap them in if that’s your preference for Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot}.
Is it possible to make Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a plant-based cooking cream, and use a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
What can I add if I want even more vegetables?
Try tossing in a handful of baby spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of simmering. Mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers are also lovely additions that blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
How do I prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan?
Give the mixture a good stir before covering to ensure the orzo is well distributed in the sauce. If you notice the sauce thickening too much, add an extra splash of broth and stir occasionally while it simmers.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} ahead for a party?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dish up to the point of garnishing, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stove and finish with fresh herbs for that just-made freshness and vibrant flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a new weeknight obsession, give Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} a spot on your menu. It’s simple, stunning, and guaranteed to earn you rave reviews—whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself. Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall head over heels for this irresistible dish!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy one-pot Marry Me Chicken with orzo pasta, combining tender chicken breasts with a flavorful tomato cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese for an easy yet impressive weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce and Pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (for deglazing)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth (for cooking orzo)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to build a flavor base.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, careful not to burn it. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Stir the uncooked orzo pasta into the sauce followed by 3 cups of chicken broth. Mix to combine everything thoroughly.
- Simmer with Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped basil and parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra richness and flavor, substitute chicken thighs for breasts.
- If the sauce thickens too much during cooking, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
- Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal.
- Ensure the orzo is fully cooked and tender before serving for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
