Cozy Marry Me Chicken Orzo

This Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe is everything you want for a weeknight dinner. It combines tender, seasoned chicken with orzo pasta in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that is loaded with garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. This one-pan meal is simple to prepare and perfect for a comforting, flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup.

I first made this recipe on a hectic weeknight when I needed something quick but satisfying. Now it’s a regular in my rotation because of its ease and crowd-pleasing taste.

Ingredients

• Large boneless skinless chicken breasts: to keep the protein lean and tender
• Olive oil: for sautéing which adds a subtle richness and helps brown the chicken evenly
• Paprika: for a mild smoky depth try to get sweet Hungarian paprika for best flavor
• Onion powder and garlic powder: to layer the savory base seasoning
• Italian seasoning: which adds warm notes of oregano, basil, and thyme to complement the sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste for balancing and enhancing the flavors
• Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil: to deliver an intense, tangy sweetness that defines the sauce
• Minced fresh garlic: for a fragrant, pungent punch just before the sauce comes together
• Chicken broth: as the cooking liquid adding savory depth and helping cook the orzo perfectly
• Heavy whipping cream: brings the creamy, luscious texture that ties the dish together
• Orzo pasta: which cooks quickly and absorbs all the flavors wonderfully
• Baby spinach: added at the end to introduce a fresh, vibrant touch and a boost of nutrients
• Parmesan cheese: freshly grated for that nutty, salty finish that melts beautifully into the sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Chicken and Tomatoes:

Heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add diced chicken breast seasoned with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally until browned on all sides. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 4 minutes to deepen their flavor. In the last minute, stir in minced garlic to release its aroma without burning.

Simmer the Orzo in Broth:

Pour in chicken broth and add dry orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir well to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan – this adds extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook the orzo until tender but still firm to the bite, about the time indicated on the orzo package. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan:

Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream followed by baby spinach and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Continue stirring gently until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined. Serve immediately while warm and comforting.

Bookmark

One of my favorite ingredients here is the sun-dried tomatoes. Their concentrated, slightly tangy flavor brings the sauce to life and makes it truly memorable. I fondly remember my first bite, realizing how such a simple ingredient could transform a weeknight meal into something special.

Storage Tips

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge where it will keep up to four days. When reheating gently warm it on the stove or microwave, adding a bit of broth to loosen the sauce back up. I learned the hard way that reheating without extra liquid can turn the sauce too thick or dry.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a quicker dinner, shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in place of sautéed chicken breasts. To lighten the dish, substitute heavy cream with whole milk or full-fat coconut milk the texture is slightly thinner but still creamy. If you cannot find sun-dried tomatoes, a small amount of tomato paste or roasted red peppers can add a different but tasty flavor note.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is filling enough on its own but pairs nicely with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness. A simple garlic bread or crusty loaf complements the creamy sauce beautifully and rounds out the meal.

Pro Tips

Make sure to brown the chicken well to build those deep savory flavors that shine in the finished dish. Do not skip scraping the browned bits from the pan when adding broth and orzo - this elevates the whole flavor profile. If your sauce gets too thick as it sits later, a splash of broth added during reheating will restore that perfect creamy consistency.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cut of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well as they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute that saves time without compromising flavor.

→ How do I keep the sauce creamy?

Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese at the end, and add a splash of broth or water when reheating to maintain its smooth texture.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Cool completely, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and reheat gently to preserve creaminess.

→ Can I lighten the dish?

Substitute heavy cream with whole or coconut milk and reduce cheese slightly for a lighter version while keeping a creamy texture.

→ How to avoid overcooking the orzo?

Simmer the orzo just until al dente as per package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and mushiness.