Creamy, savory, and impossibly comforting, One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo is the kind of dish that instantly elevates any dinner night into something special. Imagine tender bites of chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and velvety orzo all swirled together in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce—every spoonful delivers a little magic. Best of all, everything comes together in just one pot, making cleanup as easy as falling in love with this recipe. If you’re looking for a meal that’s as impressive as it is effortless, One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo is about to become your new weeknight obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo is built on simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays an important role in creating layers of flavor, creaminess, and vibrant color. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Chicken breasts: Lean, juicy protein that soaks up all the savory flavors in the pot.
- Olive oil: Adds richness, helps brown the chicken beautifully, and carries the other flavors.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and depth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a touch for gentle heat that perks up the creamy sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These bring a sweet-tangy punch and gorgeous color.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the dish its signature Italian-inspired flair.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning everything perfectly from the start.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the creamy elements.
- Orzo pasta: The tiny pasta that soaks up flavors and creates a risotto-like texture.
- Chicken broth: Deepens the savory base and helps the orzo cook to perfection.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and decadent.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan melts in for salty, nutty, cheesy goodness.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh finishing touch that livens up every bite.
How to Make One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by warming up your favorite large skillet or Dutch oven with a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and let them sizzle away for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden on the outside and cooked through. This first step is all about building flavor—the nicely browned bits on the bottom of the pan will add so much depth to your One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo. Once the chicken is ready, scoop it out onto a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In that same pan (no need to clean it, those flavorful bits are gold!), add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for just about a minute—keep your nose close, because as soon as you catch that fragrant garlic aroma, you’re ready for the next step. This quick sauté is the secret to a deeply aromatic dish without burning the garlic.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Now, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good toss to coat the aromatics in those herby, tangy flavors. The sun-dried tomatoes will soften a bit and infuse the oil with their sweetness, transforming the base into something truly irresistible.
Step 4: Cook the Orzo
Pour in the orzo pasta and chicken broth, making sure the orzo is submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Watch as the orzo plumps up and soaks in all the delicious broth—the texture is almost like a creamy risotto, and you’ll know it’s ready when most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender.
Step 5: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Chicken
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and your reserved cooked chicken. Stir gently until everything is coated in that dreamy, cheesy sauce and heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes more. The One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo should now look creamy, glossy, and absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Off the heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. This simple touch adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up the whole dish. Now comes the best part—serve hot, straight from the pot, and watch everyone swoon at first bite.
How to Serve One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Garnishes
A shower of fresh parsley is the classic finish, but you can also add a little extra grated Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for even more flavor. If you love a bit more heat, a tiny pinch of extra red pepper flakes on top does the trick. The finishing touches make your One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Since One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo is rich and creamy, it pairs beautifully with something fresh and crisp on the side. Try a simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccolini. Warm, crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party twist, serve One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo in shallow bowls with a swirl of extra cream and a sprinkle of microgreens. For a comforting family meal, just bring the pot to the table and let everyone dig in family-style—no fuss, just pure joy. Leftovers also make a fantastic next-day lunch, packed into a thermos or reheated in a mug.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo tasting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making each bite even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions if needed. Let the orzo cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce before warming gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir frequently and heat until steaming hot—this brings back that original creamy texture without drying out the chicken or orzo.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay extra juicy, so feel free to swap them in if that’s your preference.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even a splash of milk for a lighter sauce. Just note that the final result will be a bit less creamy, but still totally satisfying.
Can I add vegetables to One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo?
Definitely! Stir in a couple handfuls of baby spinach or some frozen peas in the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition. Zucchini or roasted bell peppers also work beautifully.
What’s the best way to prevent the orzo from sticking?
Stir the orzo a few times while it’s simmering in the broth. Using a nonstick skillet or Dutch oven also helps, and don’t forget to keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil.
Can I make One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo gluten free?
Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free orzo and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten free. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the combination of cozy, creamy flavors and effortless cleanup you get with One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself on a busy weeknight, it’s a recipe that’s sure to win hearts and become a staple in your kitchen. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll fall in love with every single bite!
Print
One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo pasta all cooked together in a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce. Perfect for an easy, comforting dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes and uses just one pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and spices: In the same pan, add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to combine for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Cook the orzo: Add the orzo pasta and chicken broth to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish the sauce and combine: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and the cooked chicken pieces. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring gently until everything is heated through and the sauce is creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish just before serving to add a fresh flavor and vibrant color.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Add spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Use gluten-free orzo if you need this dish to be gluten-friendly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
