One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo: Your Ultimate Creamy Weeknight Dinner
If you’re seeking a dish that combines ultimate comfort with effortless preparation, look no further than this incredible One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo. This recipe delivers a truly unforgettable experience, marrying the rich, savory flavors of tender chicken breast with creamy orzo pasta, all infused with aromatic garlic, savory Parmesan, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a harmonious blend that’s so delicious, it’s famously known as “Marry Me Chicken” – a meal so good, it might just earn you a proposal!
What makes this dish truly exceptional is its simplicity. Everything comes together in a single pan, minimizing cleanup and making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. In under 45 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal that looks and tastes like you’ve put in far more effort. The subtle warmth from the chili flakes beautifully cuts through the creamy richness, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to add this to your regular dinner rotation – it’s that good!
If you’re a fan of convenient and delicious one-pot pasta dinners, you absolutely have to try this recipe. For more inspiration, explore my salmon pesto pasta or my vibrant lemon chicken orzo recipe. They all promise minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Recipe Highlights: Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Effortless One-Pan Wonder: Say goodbye to piles of dirty dishes! This entire meal, from searing the chicken to cooking the orzo in its rich sauce, happens in one single pan. This makes cleanup a breeze and truly simplifies your cooking process.
- Richly Creamy & Unforgettable Flavor: Indulge in a luxurious, velvety sauce crafted with a blend of fragrant garlic, savory Parmesan cheese, and the unique sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. The addition of subtle red chili flakes provides a delightful kick that perfectly balances the creamy base.
- Perfect for Weeknights (Under 45 Minutes!): From start to finish, this impressive dish is ready in less than an hour. Its quick cooking time makes it an ideal solution for busy evenings, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet meal without the lengthy prep.
- Restaurant-Worthy Appeal at Home: This Marry Me Chicken Orzo boasts a sophisticated look and taste that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant. It’s an elegant yet approachable dish, perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests.
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Essential Ingredients for Your One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Crafting this “Marry Me Chicken Orzo” masterpiece requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building its irresistible flavor and creamy texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this dish, along with tips for best results:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: These provide a lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce beautifully. For the most tender and evenly cooked chicken, ensure they are pounded or sliced to a uniform thickness.
- Seasoning Blend (Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper): This carefully balanced mix imparts a warm, aromatic base to both the chicken and the creamy sauce, elevating the overall depth of flavor. Italian seasoning brings a classic herb profile, while paprika adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Olive Oil: Essential for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden-brown and sautéing the aromatics. A good quality extra virgin olive oil will add a nuanced fruity note to the dish.
- Fresh Garlic (Minced): The cornerstone of many Italian-inspired dishes, fresh minced garlic provides an indispensable pungent and savory foundation for our creamy sauce. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
- Red Chili Flakes (Red Pepper Flakes): These are your secret weapon! A small amount introduces a subtle, gentle heat that wonderfully cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy and adding a delightful zing. Adjust to your spice preference.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: This liquid gold is crucial for cooking the orzo and infusing it with savory chicken flavor. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish more effectively. Chicken stock or bone broth can also be used for an even richer taste.
- Orzo Pasta: A small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks directly in the pan, absorbing all the delicious broth and flavors, resulting in a wonderfully creamy, risotto-like texture. Its small size ensures quick cooking.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens for that luxurious, velvety sauce. Heavy cream provides unparalleled richness and a smooth, indulgent consistency that makes this dish truly special.
- Parmesan Cheese (Grated): Freshly grated Parmesan melts seamlessly into the sauce, contributing a sharp, salty, and umami depth that is quintessential to “Marry Me” recipes. Opt for a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself for the best flavor and melt.
- Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Chopped): These intensely flavorful tomatoes add a burst of concentrated sweet and tangy notes to the sauce. Draining them from their oil before chopping helps control the overall oil content of the dish.
For precise measurements, refer to the detailed recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Creamy Chicken Orzo
1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by preparing your chicken breasts. To ensure even and quick cooking, either pound them to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat tenderizer or slice them horizontally into thin cutlets. Tip: Pounding offers the most uniform and juicy results, while slicing is a quicker alternative for busy cooks. This step is key for tender chicken that cooks at the same rate as the orzo.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend will create a flavorful crust on your chicken. Generously season both sides of the chicken with half of this blend. Make sure to reserve the remaining half of the seasoning for the orzo sauce, as it will enhance the depth of flavor in the pasta.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet (preferably a Dutch oven or a braiser with a lid) over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This searing locks in juices and creates flavorful brown bits (fond) in the pan. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate to rest; resting ensures the chicken stays juicy.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet (don’t clean it!), add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly. The brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (known as “fond”) are a treasure trove of flavor – they will deglaze into the sauce, adding incredible depth.
5. Deglaze and Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up all those flavorful brown bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This “deglazing” step is crucial for incorporating all the savory flavors left from searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics into your sauce.
6. Cook the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Continue cooking until the orzo is al dente (slightly firm to the bite) and most of the broth has been absorbed, creating a thick, starchy sauce. (Note: Pasta cooking times can vary slightly, so check for doneness around the 8-minute mark.)
7. Finish the Sauce: Once the orzo is cooked, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and the remaining half of your seasoning blend. Continue to stir occasionally over low heat until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency and is thoroughly warmed through. The cheese and cream will create a luscious, smooth texture. Once thickened, remove the skillet from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking the pasta.
8. Serve: Slice or dice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can either gently mix the chicken into the creamy orzo pasta for a unified dish or serve the sliced chicken elegantly arranged on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and perhaps a final sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips for a Perfect Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Achieving the best results with this recipe is simple with a few key techniques:
- Even Chicken Thickness: Pounding or slicing your chicken breasts to a consistent ½-inch thickness ensures they cook evenly and quickly, preventing dry spots and undercooked sections. This is crucial for tender, juicy chicken.
- Don’t Rush the Sear: Allow your chicken to develop a golden-brown crust on each side. This not only adds incredible flavor but also creates the ‘fond’ – those delicious browned bits at the bottom of the pan that become the base of your rich sauce.
- Deglaze Properly: When adding chicken broth, use a wooden spoon to vigorously scrape up all the fond from the bottom of the pan. This process, called deglazing, incorporates all those caramelized flavors into your sauce.
- Stir the Orzo: While cooking the orzo, stir occasionally, especially towards the end. Orzo can stick to the bottom of the pan easily, and stirring helps distribute the liquid and ensures even cooking.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your sauce before the final step. Depending on the saltiness of your chicken broth and Parmesan, you might need to add a bit more salt or black pepper to perfectly balance the flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes are Key: Don’t skip the red chili flakes! They provide a subtle, essential warmth that cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese, preventing the dish from tasting too heavy. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spice.
Flavorful Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some suggestions for delicious substitutions:
- Chicken Alternatives: For a richer, juicier cut, use boneless skinless chicken thighs. They offer more flavor and tend to stay moist. If using thighs, cook until an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C) is reached. In a pinch, shredded rotisserie chicken can significantly cut down on cooking time; simply stir it in at the end with the cream and cheese.
- Herb Variations for Italian Seasoning: While Italian seasoning provides a convenient blend, the original Marry Me Chicken often features thyme. You can swap out Italian seasoning for a mix of dried thyme, oregano, and basil, or focus solely on dried thyme for a more classic flavor profile.
- Cream Alternatives: If you’re looking for an alternative to heavy cream, half-and-half can be used, though the sauce will be slightly less thick and rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat canned coconut milk can work, but be aware it will impart a subtle coconut flavor that may alter the overall taste.
- Cheese Swaps: Instead of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano (a sharper, saltier sheep’s milk cheese) or Asiago cheese (nutty, slightly milder) can be excellent substitutes, each adding its own unique character to the creamy sauce.
- Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by stirring in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of orzo cooking. They will wilt beautifully into the sauce. Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers can also be added with the garlic and chili flakes for extra texture and flavor.
- Broth Options: While chicken broth is recommended, vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version (omit chicken and replace with chickpeas or white beans).
Essential Equipment for This One-Pan Dish
The beauty of this recipe lies in its one-pan nature, meaning all the cooking happens in a single vessel. Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy chicken orzo a success:
The star of the show is a large skillet with a lid. A deep skillet or a 5-quart cast-iron braiser (which I use) is ideal because it provides enough surface area for searing the chicken and has the depth needed to contain the orzo and sauce without overflowing. The lid is crucial for simmering the orzo and ensuring it cooks evenly and absorbs the broth properly.
You will also need a reliable cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife for preparing the chicken and chopping the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. If you opt to pound the chicken for even thickness, a meat tenderizer or a heavy rolling pin will come in handy.
The Story Behind This Viral Dish
The original “Marry Me Chicken” recipe took the internet by storm, a delightful creation from the Delish team back in 2016. It earned its endearing name for being so incredibly delicious, it was deemed “proposal-worthy”! This classic Tuscan-inspired chicken dish featured a rich, creamy sauce that quickly became a fan favorite.
This particular version takes that beloved concept and ingeniously transforms it into a convenient one-pan orzo pasta recipe. It maintains all the vibrant, creamy flavors of the original while adding the comforting texture of orzo, making it an even more complete and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for those who crave the iconic “Marry Me Chicken” taste with the ease of a one-pot pasta.
My Top Tip: Don’t skip the red pepper flakes! They are truly the secret weapon in this dish. While they add a subtle heat, their primary role is to provide a crucial counterpoint that balances the rich cream and cheese. This bright zing prevents the dish from feeling overly heavy, making every bite incredibly satisfying and perfectly harmonious. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear what you think! Please take a moment to leave a rating and review—it helps me create high-quality recipes and lets others know what to expect. Your feedback is truly appreciated!
Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative. They tend to be more flavorful and stay juicier than breasts. If using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, the cook time might vary slightly, typically requiring a minute or two longer per side to ensure they are cooked through (aim for an internal temperature of 175°F/80°C).
No problem! You can easily substitute orzo with another small-cut pasta. Great alternatives include ditalini, small shells, or even pearl couscous. Keep in mind that the cooking time for these pastas may vary from orzo, so always refer to the package instructions and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes, which typically adds a very mild, pleasant warmth that complements the creamy sauce without overwhelming it. It’s designed to balance the richness rather than make the dish intensely spicy. You can easily adjust the amount of chili flakes to your taste – add less for a milder flavor or more if you prefer a spicier kick.
Yes, you certainly can! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken. You can replace it with a plant-based protein like chickpeas (added with the orzo) or cannellini beans (stirred in at the end). Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian meal. The creamy sauce and sun-dried tomato flavors are delicious on their own or with vegetarian additions!
This creamy chicken orzo is quite a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Steamed or roasted asparagus or broccoli would also make an excellent fresh vegetable accompaniment.
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One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Equipment
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Large skillet with lid
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Cutting board
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Chef’s knife
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Meat tenderizer (optional, for pounding chicken)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes or to taste
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz orzo pasta
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
Instructions
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Pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness or slice them into thin cutlets.
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In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Season the chicken on both sides with half of the seasoning blend. Reserve the other half for the sauce.
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Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate to rest.
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In the same skillet, add the garlic and red chili flakes to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
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Stir in the orzo and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed.
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Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and the remaining seasoning blend. Stir occasionally over low heat until the sauce thickens and warms through. Remove from the heat.
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Slice or dice the chicken. Mix it into the pasta or serve it on top.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Important Food Safety Guidelines
Ensuring food safety is paramount when preparing any meal, especially with poultry. Follow these guidelines to keep your kitchen and your plate safe:
- Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the safe minimum temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
- Prevent Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards, knives, and utensils for raw chicken and other ingredients (like vegetables) to avoid transferring bacteria. Always wash these items thoroughly with hot, soapy water after contact with raw meat.
- Hand Washing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat.
- Proper Storage: Store all leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly within two hours of cooking. Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for extended periods.
- Thawing Practices: If freezing chicken, thaw it safely in the refrigerator, in cold water (changing water every 30 minutes), or in the microwave. Never thaw chicken at room temperature.
For more comprehensive food safety information and guidelines, please refer to USDA.gov.
More Delicious Chicken and Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve fallen in love with the creamy, flavorful goodness of this One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo, you’re in for a treat! Explore these other fantastic chicken and pasta recipes that are just as satisfying and perfect for your next meal:
- One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo
- Oven Baked BBQ Boneless Chicken Thighs
- Honey Gochujang Chicken
- One Pan Lemon Chicken Orzo