One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo transforms ordinary weeknight cooking into something extraordinary. I’ve made this dish countless times, and it never fails to impress my family—the creamy, cheesy sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked orzo creates pure comfort food magic.
There’s something special about a recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and cleanup. This particular dish earned its romantic name because legend says it’s so irresistible, it inspires marriage proposals! Whether that’s true or not, I can tell you from experience that this creamy, sun-dried tomato orzo will definitely steal hearts at your dinner table. The best part? Everything cooks together in one pan, which means more time enjoying the meal and less time scrubbing dishes. After years of perfecting this recipe in my kitchen, I’ve learned the little tricks that make all the difference—from getting the perfect sear on the chicken to timing the pasta just right. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo
This recipe has become a weekly staple in my home because it strikes the perfect balance between impressive flavors and weeknight practicality. I’ve served it to dinner guests who always ask for the recipe, yet it’s simple enough for busy Tuesday nights when everyone’s hungry and time is short.
One-pan wonder – Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze
Ready in just 35 minutes – Perfect timing for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time
Tender, perfectly seasoned chicken – Cubed pieces get beautifully golden and stay juicy
Creamy orzo pasta – Absorbs all those incredible flavors while cooking
Fresh spinach adds nutrition – Sneaks in some greens that even picky eaters will enjoy
This creamy chicken orzo is more than just dinner—it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and creates those “this is so good” moments we all love.
Ingredient Note List
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: I prefer cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes because they cook evenly and quickly, plus every forkful gets that perfect golden sear.
Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil since it’s the foundation of flavor—I always keep extra virgin on hand for cooking like this.
Garlic cloves: Fresh smashed garlic releases so much more aroma than pre-minced, and smashing them with the flat side of your knife makes them easier to work with.
Sun-dried tomatoes: The oil-packed variety works best because they’re already tender and add richness—if you only have dry-packed, just soak them in warm water first.
Italian seasoning: This blend of oregano, basil, and thyme saves time while adding that classic Mediterranean flavor profile that makes this dish so comforting.
Paprika: I love using smoked paprika for deeper flavor, but sweet paprika works beautifully too—it adds color and a gentle warmth.
Orzo pasta: This rice-shaped pasta is perfect because it cooks evenly in the broth and absorbs all those delicious flavors while maintaining a nice texture.
Chicken broth: Good quality broth makes a huge difference—I use low-sodium so I can control the salt level in my One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo.
Heavy cream or coconut milk: Both create that luxurious, creamy texture, though coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes.
Fresh spinach: Those big handfuls of spinach wilt down significantly and add beautiful color plus nutrition to balance all that creamy goodness.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts much better than pre-shredded and gives the sauce that perfect creamy, cheesy finish.
How to Cook One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Step 1. I always start by heating the olive oil in my largest skillet over medium-high heat—using a 12-inch pan gives the chicken room to sear properly without overcrowding.
Step 2. Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika, then add it to the hot pan in a single layer. My grandmother always told me never to move meat too soon, so I let it sear undisturbed for 3 minutes to get that beautiful golden crust.
Step 3. After 5-7 minutes total cooking time, I remove the golden chicken to a plate—it doesn’t need to be fully cooked since it’ll finish cooking later with the orzo.
Step 4. In the same pan, I reduce heat to medium and add the smashed garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step builds incredible flavor using all those tasty browned bits from the chicken.
Step 5. I’ve found that toasting the orzo for about a minute adds a lovely nutty depth to this dish—just stir it around until it starts to smell toasty.
Step 6. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—this is where so much flavor lives, and it’ll make your sauce incredibly rich.
Step 7. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan, then cover and simmer on low for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through. The orzo should be tender with just a little liquid remaining.
Step 8. For the creamiest results, I remove the pan from heat before stirring in the cream, spinach, and Parmesan—this prevents the cheese from getting grainy and keeps everything silky smooth.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or planned leftovers.
For freezing, I’ve had the best success wrapping individual portions in aluminum foil, then placing them in freezer bags. It keeps well for up to 2 months, though the texture of the orzo may change slightly after thawing.
When reheating, I recommend adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore that creamy consistency—the pasta tends to absorb the sauce as it sits. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals with a damp paper towel covering the dish.
One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Juicy, golden-seared chicken, creamy Parmesan orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach — all made in one pan for a date-night-worthy meal in under 40 minutes.
Heat oil over medium-high in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add chicken in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Sear 5–7 minutes until golden, not stirring for first 3 minutes. Remove to a plate.
Lower heat to medium. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
Add orzo and cook 1 minute, stirring to coat. Pour in broth, scraping up browned bits for flavor.
Return chicken and juices to the pan. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender and liquid mostly absorbed. Add ¼ cup broth if too dry.
Stir in coconut milk or cream, spinach, and Parmesan. Cook uncovered 3–4 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens. Remove from heat before adding cheese to keep sauce smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or lemon zest if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd chicken when searing; it needs space to brown. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes work best. Always remove pan from heat before adding Parmesan to prevent graininess.
What to Serve With One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Garlic Bread: The crispy texture and buttery garlic flavor create the perfect contrast to the creamy orzo, plus it’s ideal for sopping up every bit of that delicious sauce.
Simple Arugula Salad: The peppery bite of fresh arugula with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully and adds a fresh, light element to balance the meal.
Roasted Asparagus: These tender-crisp spears provide a lovely color contrast and their earthy flavor complements the sun-dried tomatoes perfectly.
Honey Glazed Carrots: The natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory, garlicky flavors while adding vibrant color to your dinner plate.
Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy, rich orzo—my family loves this combination.
Crusty Sourdough Rolls: Warm, crusty bread is always welcome at our table, especially with a dish this saucy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast meat?
Absolutely! I actually prefer thighs for their extra richness and tenderness—just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
What if my orzo seems too dry during cooking?
Add an extra ¼ cup of warm chicken broth and continue simmering—every stovetop cooks a bit differently, so adjusting liquid as needed ensures perfect results.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast or a dairy-free parmesan alternative—the coconut milk actually adds a lovely subtle sweetness.
Why does my cheese get grainy sometimes?
Remove the pan completely from heat before adding the Parmesan and stir it in gently—high heat causes the proteins in cheese to seize up and become grainy instead of creamy.
