Dinner

Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe

BySana Jeannette December 1, 2025December 1, 2025

Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces simmer with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

A white pan filled with creamy orange pasta made of orzo, mixed with pieces of white chicken, green spinach leaves, and red sun-dried tomatoes. The sauce coats every part, giving a smooth texture. A wooden spoon is scooping a portion from the pan, showing the layers of ingredients close together with some black pepper sprinkled on top. The pan sits on a dark grey cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Stir in the dry orzo and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender.
Step 4: Pour in the half-and-half and stir well. The orzo will absorb the liquid quickly, so add more half-and-half if needed to reach your desired creaminess.
Step 5: Add the grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Stir until the cheese melts and the basil wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a richer dish, substitute half-and-half with heavy cream.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
Use fresh garlic instead of minced for a more pronounced flavor.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth by ¼ cup.

Storage

Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or half-and-half to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A close-up view of creamy orzo pasta mixed with cooked chicken pieces, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach leaves, all coated in a light orange creamy sauce. The orzo is small and rice-shaped, pale and soft, while the chicken chunks are tender and white, scattered evenly. The sun-dried tomatoes add red patches with a slightly wrinkled texture, and the spinach leaves show deep green, fresh color. The dish is served in a white bowl with a brown rim, with a gold fork resting inside on the right side partially buried in the pasta. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a dark green cloth and a basil leaf nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well as a substitute. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the pasta is tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the half-and-half and parmesan cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor and texture will vary slightly but will still be delicious.