If you are craving a comforting and elegant dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe is your new best friend. Combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and tender orzo pasta with the bright, tangy pop of sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe is a beautiful blend of flavors and textures that make every bite unforgettable. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this dish lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and richness. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding creaminess, a herby note, or the perfect satisfying bite.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, chopped): Adds a sweet and tangy burst of intense tomato flavor, and the reserved oil infuses the dish with richness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides a fragrant and flavorful base that elevates every element of this recipe.
- Dried basil (¾ teaspoon): Brings aromatic herbal depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Chicken broth (3 cups): The cooking liquid that infuses the orzo with savory goodness and keeps everything moist and tender.
- Orzo (1 cup): Tiny pasta pearls that cook up creamy and satisfyingly chewy, perfect for catching the sauce.
- Heavy whipping cream (¾ cup): Creates a silky, luscious sauce that wraps every bite in cozy decadence.
- Cooked chopped chicken (2 cups): The heart of the dish, providing protein and a meaty, tender contrast.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups, gently packed): Adds bright color, a touch of green freshness, and nutrients to balance the richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup plus extra for serving): For that savory, nutty tang that rounds out the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning, to bring out the flavors at every step.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Start by warming a tablespoon of the flavorful oil from those sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium heat. Adding minced garlic and dried basil to this hot oil lets their aromatics bloom, creating a fragrant foundation that will carry the entire dish. Just one minute is all it takes to awaken the senses—make sure you don’t let the garlic burn.
Step 2: Combine the Key Ingredients
Next, pour in the chicken broth, then add your orzo pasta, heavy cream, and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture up to a lively boil so the pasta can start absorbing all those deep, delicious flavors around it. Watching the orzo swell is like a little culinary magic happening right in your pan.
Step 3: Simmer Until Perfect
Lower the heat to a gentle low boil and let it cook uncovered for 12 to 14 minutes. This slow simmer requires frequent stirring to prevent sticking and helps the orzo cook evenly while thickening the sauce naturally. Keep an eye on the liquid, adding a bit more broth if the pan starts to dry out too fast. You want the orzo tender but still holding its shape, hugged by a creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add the Final Touches
Once your orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened to a luscious creaminess, stir in the chopped chicken, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Let everything simmer together for just 2 to 3 minutes. This gentle heat softens the spinach just right and melts the cheese into the sauce, binding the dish perfectly.
Step 5: Season and Rest
Don’t forget the final seasoning. Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed to bring the flavors together harmoniously. Then, let the dish rest for 2 minutes—this little pause allows the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken a bit more before you serve. Your Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe is now ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish is lovely as is, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top adds a delightful salty tang and a bit of visual appeal. Fresh chopped parsley or a few basil leaves can also bring a fresh pop of green and an herbal brightness that lifts the creamy base.
Side Dishes
This Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe pairs beautifully with simple, crisp side salads or roasted vegetables. A lemony arugula salad or some garlicky sautéed green beans add just enough contrast to balance the rich creaminess of the pasta dish without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve this dish in shallow bowls, allowing the beautiful sauce to pool invitingly. You can also add a drizzle of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil over the top to enhance both aroma and appearance. Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that irresistible sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer it into an airtight container to preserve freshness and keep the orzo from drying out. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time in bulk, freezing is an option. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight to maintain the creamy texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick. Microwaving is possible too, but be sure to cover and stir halfway through so everything warms evenly, keeping that signature creamy consistency intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes won’t provide the same concentrated, intense flavor and slight chewiness that sun-dried tomatoes do. If using fresh, consider roasting them to deepen their flavor or adding a little tomato paste for richness.
Is rotisserie chicken the best choice for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is perfect because it’s already cooked and flavorful, making the preparation quicker and easier. However, grilled or roasted chicken works just as well—just be sure it’s chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Can I substitute the cream for a lighter option?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and sour cream, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. To maintain thickness, stirring in a small amount of cream cheese or Greek yogurt at the end can help.
What if I don’t have orzo pasta? What can I use instead?
If orzo isn’t available, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, ditalini, or even tiny broken bits of elbow macaroni can be good substitutes, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add extra spinach, mushrooms, or your favorite vegetables. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth will keep it vegetarian-friendly while still delivering fantastic flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like it was made with love—and that’s exactly the kind of recipe you want in your kitchen. With creamy textures, vibrant colors, and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to for cozy dinners or special occasions. I truly hope you enjoy every hearty, delicious bite as much as I do. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself “marrying” this recipe for life!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting one-pot skillet meal featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes simmered with orzo pasta in a flavorful garlic-basil broth. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner that delivers rich, Italian-inspired flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and oil reserved)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
- 1 cup orzo
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken (rotisserie or other)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (gently packed)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus additional for serving)
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
Cooking Oil
- 1 tablespoon oil reserved from sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Heat the oil and sauté garlic and basil: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of the sun-dried tomato oil. Add the minced garlic and dried basil, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add liquids and orzo: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Mix in the orzo pasta and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the orzo: Reduce the heat to low and allow to cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 12 to 14 minutes. Continue cooking until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Add more broth as needed to maintain desired consistency.
- Add chicken, spinach, and Parmesan: Stir in the cooked chopped chicken, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens further and everything is heated through.
- Season and serve: Taste the dish and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Remove from heat and let it rest for 2 minutes. Serve with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top if you like.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds smoky flavor.
- If you want a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce will be less rich.
- Feel free to add chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
- Use gluten-free orzo or substitute with rice for a gluten-free option.
- Reserve extra broth to adjust thickness during cooking as orzo absorbs liquid quickly.
