Name: Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 650 g skinless, boneless chicken breast (about 4 pieces), chopped; 1 tbsp olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar); 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed; 170 g sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained; 1 tsp oregano; 2 tsp paprika; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 250 g orzo pasta; 650 ml hot chicken stock; 150 ml double cream; 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated; 120 g spinach

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s rich, comforting, and downright irresistible, you’re in for a treat with this Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe. I absolutely love how the creamy sauce blends with tender chicken and the nutty orzo, all cooked effortlessly in one pot! When I first tried this recipe, it immediately became a weeknight favorite because not only is it delicious, but it’s also so straightforward to make. Stick around because I’m about to share all the tips and tricks to help you nail this dish every single time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup means you spend more time enjoying your meal and less scrubbing pans.
Creamy, Flavor-Packed Sauce: The double cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan create a sauce that’s in a league of its own.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings when you want something impressive but fuss-free.
Balanced and Satisfying: Protein-packed chicken, veggies, and pasta combine for a complete meal that everyone loves.

The image shows a creamy orange-yellow risotto mixed with pieces of shredded white chicken, green spinach leaves, and pieces of red sun-dried tomatoes. On the left side, there is a layer of finely grated pale yellow cheese topped with black pepper. A silver spoon is partially submerged on the right side of the dish, resting against the creamy risotto. The entire dish is in a round white bowl, set on a white marbled surface. The texture of the risotto is thick and rich with visible bits of ingredients mixed throughout photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe is how each ingredient works in harmony, giving you a luscious, comforting dinner. Plus, most of these are pantry staples or easy-to-find fresh ingredients that add depth without fuss.

Chicken breast: I prefer skinless and boneless since it cooks quickly and blends beautifully with the creamy sauce without extra fat or skin to crisp.
Olive oil: Use good quality or even the oil from your sun-dried tomato jar for an extra boost of flavor.
Garlic cloves: Crushed for that fragrant aroma that makes this dish so inviting.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These give a punch of tangy sweetness and richness; draining them well keeps the sauce just right.
Oregano: Adds a lovely herbal note that complements the tomatoes and chicken.
Paprika: A little smoky warmth that kicks up the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Orzo: My favorite pasta here—it cooks quickly and soaks up that delicious sauce perfectly.
Hot chicken stock: This is your cooking liquid that infuses the orzo and chicken with every bit of savory goodness.
Double cream: For that luscious, silky finish—trust me, it makes all the difference.
Parmesan: Grated fresh to melt into the sauce and add that signature savory bite.
Spinach: I toss it in at the end for a pop of green and a boost of freshness without extra work.
Freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the creamy richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe is—feel free to play around with it based on what you have or your dietary needs. I’ve made a few tweaks over time that I’m excited to share.

Swap the chicken for turkey or tofu: Once, I used turkey breast instead of chicken, and it worked just as well, making it a great way to stretch the recipe or cater to preferences.
Make it vegan: Try using plant-based cream and omit chicken; add mushrooms for extra umami—I’ve done this, and it’s surprisingly satisfying.
Add heat: Throw in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you like a little kick; my family goes crazy for the extra spice.
Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard: These hearty greens hold up well if you want more texture—just chop them finely so they wilt evenly.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Start by heating your olive oil (or the oil from your sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor) in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the chopped chicken pieces. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each side starts to take on a golden color. This searing step locks in the juices and builds a great base flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Spices

Reduce the heat a little and toss in the crushed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir everything constantly for about 3-5 minutes until the garlic softens and the spices bloom in the oil. You’ll start to smell that mouthwatering aroma that tells you you’re on the right track.

Step 3: Stir in Orzo and Stock, Then Simmer

Next up, add the orzo and pour in the hot chicken stock right away—this helps the orzo cook evenly without sticking. Season with a little freshly ground black pepper, give everything a good stir, and pop the lid on. Let it simmer on medium-low, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. You want the orzo to absorb most of the stock but still be tender with a slight bite.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Spinach to Finish

Turn your heat down to the lowest setting and stir in the fresh spinach and double cream. Stir gently but thoroughly for 1-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and everything is heated through. At this point, check that your chicken is fully cooked by making sure it’s no longer pink inside. This finishing touch creates that irresistible creamy texture we all crave.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a lovely umami richness and helps thicken the sauce just a bit more. Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning with pepper if needed. Serve immediately, and get ready for all the compliments headed your way!

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Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe

Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken during searing so it cooks fully but stays juicy and tender.
Use Hot Stock: Adding hot chicken stock helps the orzo cook evenly without cooling down the pot.
Stir Gently but Frequently: This prevents the orzo from sticking and ensures everything cooks uniformly.
Let it Rest Briefly Before Serving: A few minutes rest off heat lets the sauce thicken just right and flavors marry beautifully.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe

A close-up top view of a creamy risotto dish in a round white bowl, showing a rich, thick texture with orange color from the sauce, mixed with visible green spinach leaves scattered throughout. There are pieces of white chicken evenly spread inside, along with bits of sun-dried tomatoes adding pops of deep red. The center of the dish is topped with a sprinkling of finely grated cheese, creating a light cream-colored area with black pepper flakes on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, emphasizing the vibrant colors of the risotto photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a scattering of fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. It adds a burst of freshness and brightens the creamy tones. A little cracked black pepper on top finishes it off beautifully.

Side Dishes

Since the Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe is so complete, I usually pair it with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread also works wonders if you want to make the meal extra indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this up in individual ramekins, topped with extra cheese and a sprinkle of paprika—everyone felt like they were having a restaurant meal at home! You could also add a drizzle of infused oil or a side of lemon wedges for a fresh twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens after chilling, so just loosen it with a splash of milk or stock when reheating.

Freezing

While I rarely freeze this recipe because it’s so quick to make fresh, it does freeze okay if you store it properly in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of chicken stock or cream helps bring back that just-made creaminess you adored.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Absolutely! While orzo is ideal because it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, small shells, or even couscous can work. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly so your pasta doesn’t overcook or undercook.
Is there a way to make this Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe healthier?

For a lighter version, you can swap double cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt (adding it off heat to avoid curdling). You can also increase the spinach or add other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to boost fiber and nutrients.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and chop all your ingredients in advance, making the cooking process super quick on the day. However, I recommend cooking and assembling just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe holds a special place in my dinner rotation because it’s both fuss-free and show-stopping. I’ve lost count of how many times a “when can you make this again?” text has arrived after serving it. Give it a go — I promise your taste buds (and family) will thank you! Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or just want to treat yourself, this dish has that perfect balance of rich, fresh, and comforting that hits every time.