Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, one-skillet dish that blends juicy chicken, orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a luxurious Parmesan sauce. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for romantic dinners or comforting weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan recipe for easy cleanup
• Bursting with savory and creamy flavors
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Great for family meals or special occasions
• Uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients
• Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets
• Elegant enough for date night
• Comforting, satisfying, and nourishing
• Stores well and tastes great as leftovers
• True to its name—might just inspire a proposal

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

– 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 cup dry orzo pasta
– 2½ cups chicken broth
– ¾ cup heavy cream
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: white wine, crushed red pepper, fresh basil

directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
2. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the orzo, then add chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until the orzo is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat, cover partially, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
• Make it dairy-free with coconut milk and nutritional yeast
• Add a splash of white wine before simmering the orzo
• Stir in mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
• Use gluten-free orzo to suit dietary needs
• Finish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley
• Substitute kale for spinach if preferred
• Make it extra cheesy with mozzarella on top
• Turn it into a baked casserole with a breadcrumb topping

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate and the orzo can become mushy.

FAQs

What is orzo?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully in one-pan dishes.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it after the orzo is cooked and heat it through with the cream and spinach.

Why is it called “Marry Me” chicken?

The flavor is so good, it’s said to be proposal-worthy—hence the name!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free orzo or a rice substitute and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Is there a non-dairy alternative to cream?

Coconut cream or plant-based heavy cream substitutes work well, though they may alter the flavor slightly.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts are great additions.

Can I use a different cheese?

Parmesan is classic, but mozzarella, asiago, or pecorino romano are tasty alternatives.

How do I prevent orzo from sticking?

Stir frequently while simmering and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pan.

Does this dish pair well with wine?

Yes, a dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements it well.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Orzo?

It’s a complete meal, but you can add garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables on the side.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is an irresistible blend of comfort and elegance. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful mix-ins, it’s no surprise this dish has a name that suggests lifelong commitment. Whether for a romantic dinner or a cozy night in, this one-pot pasta will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even your hand in marriage.

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