Oh, you are going to LOVE this Marry Me Chicken Orzo! Seriously, if there’s one dish that perfectly sums up my journey from feeling totally lost in the kitchen to finding my groove, it’s this one. Back when I was navigating my 80-pound weight loss, Southern comfort food was my Everest. I craved that cozy, satisfying feeling, but I knew I needed to make it healthier. That’s where my “clean Southern comfort food” philosophy was born, right here in Asheville, NC. I wanted dishes that tasted like a warm hug but still fueled my body. And this Marry Me Chicken Orzo? It hit every single note. It’s ridiculously easy, packed with flavor, and comes together in one pot. Trust me, it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to say “I do” to healthy eating all over again.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Seriously, this dish is a lifesaver! It’s got that magical combination of being super easy, incredibly delicious, and lightning-fast. What more could you ask for on a busy night?
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
You’re looking at about 35 minutes from start to finish, and the best part? It’s all done in ONE POT! That means less mess, less fuss, and more time enjoying your food (and less time scrubbing pans!).
Incredibly Flavorful and Creamy
Don’t let the ease fool you; this orzo is packed with flavor. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet, tangy punch, while the herbs and creamy sauce just sing together. It’s rich, comforting, and oh-so satisfying.
Comfort Food Made Healthy
This is exactly what my “clean Southern comfort food” is all about. You get all that cozy, hearty goodness you crave, but made with ingredients that make you feel good. It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health!
Gather Your Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Alright, let’s get our ducks in a row! Having everything prepped and ready makes this Marry Me Chicken Orzo come together like a dream. It’s one of my favorite things about this recipe – you barely have to dirty any dishes! Just grab these goodies and we’ll be well on our way to dinner bliss.
| Chicken Breast | 650 g (1.4 lb) | Chopped into bite-sized pieces |
| Olive Oil | 1 tbsp | Standard measurement |
| Garlic Cloves | 3 | Crushed |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil | 170 g (6 oz) | Drained from oil |
| Dried Oregano | 1 tsp | Standard measurement |
| Paprika | 2 tsp | Standard measurement |
| Orzo Pasta | 250 g (9 oz) | Uncooked |
| Hot Chicken Stock | 650 ml (2.75 cups) | Use good quality, low-sodium if preferred |
| Double Cream (or Heavy Cream) | 150 ml (0.75 cups) | For richness and creaminess |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 50 g (2 oz) | Freshly grated for best flavor |
| Fresh Spinach | 120 g (4 oz) | Washed |
| Freshly Ground Black Pepper | To taste | Adjust to your preference |
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Sometimes you gotta work with what you’ve got! For this Marry Me Chicken Orzo, most of these ingredients are pretty straightforward, but a couple of swaps can make it work beautifully.
Chicken Thighs for Marry Me Chicken Orzo
If chicken thighs are more your jam, go for it! They’re super forgiving and add tons of flavor. Just make sure to chop them up similarly to the breast. They might take a few extra minutes to cook through, so just keep an eye on them until they’re nicely colored before moving on to the next step.
Cream Alternatives
Double cream is what we’re aiming for here, but if you can’t find it or prefer something else, heavy cream is a perfect substitute. Use about 0.75 cups (or 150ml), just like the double cream. It’ll give you that same lovely richness.
Stock Considerations
Using a good quality chicken stock really makes a difference here. I often grab a low-sodium kind so I can control the saltiness myself. If you’re feeling fancy, homemade stock is always a winner!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Alright, let’s get cooking! This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you go from ingredients to a show-stopping meal. Just follow these simple steps, and get ready for some serious deliciousness!
Searing the Chicken
First things first, grab a nice big, deep frying pan – remember, we’re aiming for one pot here! Pop it over medium heat and add your olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your chopped chicken breast. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, giving it an occasional stir, until it’s just starting to get a nice little color on it. We’re not cooking it all the way through just yet, just giving it a head start.
Building the Flavor Base
Now, turn the heat down just a touch. Add in your crushed garlic, those gorgeous sun-dried tomatoes (make sure they’re drained!), your dried oregano, and the paprika. Give it all a good stir and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes. You want that garlic to soften up and get really fragrant. This little step is crucial for building all the yummy flavors that make this Marry Me Chicken Orzo so special.
Cooking the Orzo
Time for the star of the show! Add your uncooked orzo pasta right into the pan. Pour in the hot chicken stock and give it a good grind of fresh black pepper. Stir everything really well to make sure the orzo is all submerged and not sticking together. Pop a lid on that pan and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Give it an occasional stir during this time to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. You want the orzo to be almost cooked through.
Achieving Creaminess and Wilting Spinach
Okay, now we’re going to make this dish wonderfully creamy. Turn the heat down to low – we don’t want anything to boil over. Gently stir in your fresh spinach and the double cream. Keep stirring for just another 1-3 minutes. You’ll see the spinach wilt down beautifully, and the cream will heat through, coating everything in this luscious sauce. At this point, just double-check that your chicken is definitely cooked through. If it looks like the orzo is drying out too much before it’s fully tender, just add a splash more hot water or stock.
Finishing Touches
Turn the heat off completely. Now for the grand finale! Sprinkle in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese and give it one last good stir. The residual heat from the pan is perfect for melting that cheese into the sauce, making it extra creamy and rich. And there you have it – your absolutely delicious Marry Me Chicken Orzo is ready to be devoured!
Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Orzo Every Time
You’ve got this! Making this Marry Me Chicken Orzo is pretty foolproof, but a few little tricks can make sure it turns out absolutely perfect every single time. I’ve learned a thing or two, and I want to share them with you so you get that amazing creamy, flavorful result without any fuss.
Achieving the Right Orzo Texture
The orzo is key here. After about 10 minutes of simmering, give it a taste. You want it to be tender but still have a little bite to it – that’s al dente! If it’s still a bit too firm and the liquid has all absorbed, don’t panic! Just add a splash more hot chicken stock or even some hot water. Cover it up again and let it cook for a few more minutes until it’s just right. It’s better to add a little liquid than end up with mushy pasta!
Preventing Sticking and Burning
This is super important, especially when you’re cooking the orzo uncovered for those 10 minutes. Stirring is your best friend! Give it a good stir every couple of minutes to make sure none of that pasta sticks to the bottom of the pan and starts to burn. Also, keeping the heat at medium-low after the initial sear helps prevent any scorching while everything cooks through.
Incorporating Freshness
While the dried oregano is great for cooking, I absolutely love adding a little fresh brightness at the very end. Once the cheese is stirred in and the heat is off, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a little fresh basil chopped up adds such a lovely pop of color and flavor. It just lifts the whole dish and makes it taste even more vibrant!
Serving Suggestions for Your Marry Me Chicken Orzo
This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is pretty much a complete meal in itself, but sometimes you just want a little something extra to make it feel even more special. These are my go-to pairings that just make the whole thing sing without adding a ton of extra work.
Simple Green Salad Pairing
Because this dish is so rich and creamy, I absolutely love serving it with a big, bright green salad on the side. Think mixed greens, maybe some cucumber, a few cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing. It’s the perfect way to cut through that richness and add a bit of freshness to your plate. It just balances everything out beautifully!
Crusty Bread for Sopping
Oh, and the sauce! You absolutely cannot let that creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce go to waste. Grab a loaf of good quality crusty bread – sourdough is amazing here! – and have it on hand for dipping. Seriously, it’s the best way to make sure you get every last delicious drop. It’s like a little bonus serving of pure comfort.
Storing and Reheating Your Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is pretty fantastic the next day, too. The key is to store and reheat it gently so you don’t end up with mushy pasta or a separated sauce. Just pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to 3 days.
| Storage Method | Reheating Method | Notes |
| Airtight container in refrigerator | Stovetop or microwave | Gentle reheating is key |
| Up to 3 days |
When you’re ready to reheat, I love doing it on the stovetop. Just put the leftovers in a pan over low heat with a tiny splash of chicken stock or water, stirring gently until everything is warmed through. If you’re using the microwave, just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s nice and warm. You want to avoid overheating, which can make the orzo a bit gummy.
Nutritional Snapshot of Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Now, I always like to give you a little peek at the nutrition info for my recipes. This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a hearty dish, so it’s a good idea to know what you’re working with! Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates, and they can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use, especially things like the type of stock or cream. But this gives you a great general idea of what you’re getting!
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Fat | 35 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Got questions about this amazing Marry Me Chicken Orzo? I’ve got answers! I love hearing from you all, and I know sometimes little things pop up as you’re making a new recipe. Here are some of the most common things folks ask me.
Can I make this Marry Me Chicken Orzo ahead of time?
You can definitely prep some things ahead! Chop your chicken, mince the garlic, and drain your sun-dried tomatoes earlier in the day or the night before. As for cooking the whole dish, it’s best enjoyed fresh. The orzo can get a little soft if it sits too long, and the cream might separate a bit. But if you have leftovers, they reheat beautifully following the instructions I shared earlier!
What can I serve with this creamy orzo dish?
Oh, this creamy orzo is so versatile! Besides the simple green salad and crusty bread I mentioned, it’s also fantastic with some roasted asparagus or broccoli. If you want something a little heartier, a side of simple grilled chicken (if you want to add more protein!) or even some sautéed mushrooms would be lovely. Really, anything light and fresh works great to balance out that rich, comforting flavor.
Is this recipe truly a one-pot meal?
YES! That’s one of the things I absolutely adore about this Marry Me Chicken Orzo. You do all the cooking right there in one big, deep frying pan. It means minimal cleanup, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. From searing the chicken to stirring in the Parmesan, it all happens in that one glorious pot. Less mess, more deliciousness!
Can I add other vegetables to this Marry Me Chicken Orzo?
Absolutely! I love adding extra veggies. Peas are a fantastic addition – just toss them in with the spinach and cream. Mushrooms would be delicious, sautéed with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Even some chopped bell peppers or zucchini would work well, just make sure to add them early enough so they have time to soften up. You might need a tiny bit more liquid if you add a lot of extra veggies, so just keep an eye on that!
For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page. You can also find more of our culinary adventures on Medium.
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Marry Me Chicken Orzo: 35 Min Magic
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: N/A
Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a delicious and easy one-pot meal. Tender chicken and orzo pasta are simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 650 g (1.4 lb) Chicken breast, chopped
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 Garlic cloves, crushed
- 170 g (6 oz) Sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 250 g (9 oz) Orzo
- 650 ml (2.75 cups) Hot chicken stock
- 150 ml (0.75 cups) Double cream
- 50 g (2 oz) Parmesan, grated
- 120 g (4 oz) Spinach
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep frying pan over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until starting to color.
- Reduce heat. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir for 3-5 minutes until garlic softens.
- Add orzo, stock, and black pepper. Stir well, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is almost cooked.
- Set heat to low. Add spinach and double cream. Stir for 1-3 minutes until spinach wilts and cream heats through. Ensure chicken is cooked.
- Turn off heat. Stir in grated Parmesan.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breast, adjust cooking time as needed.
- Add extra water or stock if orzo is not fully cooked when liquid is absorbed.
- Heavy cream can substitute double cream. Use 5 fl. oz. if measuring by volume.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
