Need a satisfying dinner that feels special but takes minimal effort? This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is the answer. Tender chunks of chicken simmer in a velvety sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, orzo pasta, and Parmesan. It’s an elegant yet simple one-skillet recipe that brings comforting flavors to the table in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding the family or making a date night dinner at home, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe checks all the boxes for ease, comfort, and big flavor. It’s made in just one pan, so cleanup is easy. The orzo pasta cooks directly in the same skillet with the chicken, soaking up all the savory juices and creating a naturally creamy texture. The sun-dried tomatoes add a pop of sweet-tangy richness, while Parmesan and half-and-half blend together to make the perfect silky sauce. Best of all, you can have it on the table in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken Breast (1½ pounds, boneless and skinless)
Cut into bite-sized pieces, the chicken browns quickly and turns tender while soaking up flavor from the sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper
A basic seasoning combo that enhances all the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)
Used to sear the chicken and provide a rich base for the rest of the dish.
Minced Garlic (2 teaspoons)
Essential for building flavor. It adds a bold, aromatic kick to the sauce.
Paprika (1 teaspoon)
Lends color and a mild smoky sweetness that elevates the overall taste.
Italian Seasoning (2 teaspoons)
This blend of dried herbs brings a Mediterranean touch to the dish and complements the tomatoes.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (1 cup, chopped and drained)
These flavorful gems bring a concentrated tomato taste that balances creaminess with a little tang.
Dry Orzo Pasta (1 cup)
This small pasta cooks in the same pan, absorbing broth and creating a perfectly creamy consistency.
Chicken Broth (2½ cups)
Provides the cooking liquid for the orzo and delivers a savory depth to the entire dish.
Half-and-Half (1 cup or more as needed)
Gives the sauce a smooth and creamy texture without being overly rich.
Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated)
Adds umami and saltiness. Melts easily to bring the sauce together.
Fresh Basil (½ cup, chopped)
Used at the end for a pop of color and freshness that lightens up the creamy components.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo
The process is simple and efficient. Start by sautéing the seasoned chicken until it’s fully cooked. Then add in the aromatics and sun-dried tomatoes to build depth. Stir in the orzo and broth, cover the pan, and let it all simmer. Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid absorbed, finish it with half-and-half, Parmesan, and basil. In less than an hour, you’ll have a comforting, all-in-one dinner on the table.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Tomatoes
Toss in the minced garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for another minute to bring out the flavor, then add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir well.
Step 3: Simmer the Orzo
Pour in the dry orzo and chicken broth. Stir, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Cover the skillet and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the orzo is soft and most of the broth has been absorbed.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Add half-and-half to the pan and stir gently. If the mixture looks dry or too thick, add a little more. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Stir in the chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot.
Helpful Tips
Keep an eye on the orzo as it cooks. If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of broth. Orzo should be tender but not mushy.
Fresh Parmesan works better than pre-shredded varieties. It melts smoothly and enhances the sauce.
Let the dish rest off the heat for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken slightly.
You can customize this dish easily by adding sautéed spinach, kale, or mushrooms just before adding the cream.
Details
Flavor: Creamy, savory, with a touch of sweetness from sun-dried tomatoes
Texture: Rich sauce, tender chicken, and soft, satisfying pasta
Occasion: Weeknight meals, romantic dinners, or batch-cooked lunches
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Notes (Optional Variations or Substitutions)
Use mushrooms or white beans in place of chicken for a vegetarian twist. Choose vegetable broth to keep it plant-based.
To make it dairy-free, replace half-and-half with full-fat coconut milk and use a vegan cheese alternative.
Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a spicy upgrade.
Pearl couscous or another small pasta can be substituted for orzo with adjusted cooking time.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 636 kcal
Carbohydrates: 51 g
Protein: 55 g
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0.02 g
Cholesterol: 155 mg
Sodium: 1540 mg
Potassium: 1849 mg
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 15 g
Vitamin A: 1147 IU
Vitamin C: 14 mg
Calcium: 364 mg
Iron: 4 mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I cook the orzo directly in the sauce?
Yes, the orzo simmers right in the pan along with the broth, making it flavorful and reducing the need for extra pots.
What makes this dish creamy without heavy cream?
Half-and-half adds richness without the heaviness of cream. Parmesan and orzo starch also contribute to the creamy texture.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Definitely. It keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunches or dinner later in the week.
What can I substitute for the chicken?
Try tofu, sautéed mushrooms, or white beans for a meatless version.
Storage Instructions
Let the dish cool completely before storing. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy texture. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, though the texture may be slightly different once thawed.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Orzo | Creamy, Irresistible One-Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
One-pan creamy chicken orzo made with juicy chicken, orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan in a rich, savory sauce. Comforting and easy to make in 40 minutes.
Ingredients
1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 cup dry orzo pasta
2½ cups chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half (more if needed)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
2. Add garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook 1 minute. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Add orzo and chicken broth. Bring to boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until orzo is soft.
4. Pour in half-and-half and stir. Add Parmesan and stir until melted.
5. Stir in chopped basil, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
Use mushrooms or beans instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
Swap half-and-half with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Add chili flakes for spice or lemon juice for a brighter taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 636
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 1540mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 55g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a go-to recipe when you need something quick, delicious, and soul-satisfying. Made in one skillet with simple ingredients, it’s the kind of meal that feels fancy without the fuss. Whether you’re preparing for a quiet night in or batch-cooking meals for the week, this creamy chicken orzo brings rich flavor and hearty comfort every time.