Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot Recipe}

Introduction

When you want a meal that delivers flavor, comfort, and elegance—all without a sink full of dishes—Marry Me Chicken Orzo is your answer. This one-pot recipe fuses tender chicken, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked orzo into a dish that’s as simple to prepare as it is irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a hassle-free family dinner, this meal is sure to win over anyone at the table.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Marry Me Chicken Orzo

This recipe gets its name for a reason—its rich flavors and effortless preparation are almost guaranteed to inspire love at first bite. The combination of savory chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and velvety cream sauce, all brought together with the toothsome bite of orzo, makes it a standout in any recipe rotation. Plus, it’s all made in a single pot—easy prep, easy cleanup, and unbeatable taste.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce: The Secret Ingredient

What sets Marry Me Chicken Orzo apart from other chicken and pasta dishes is the luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Sautéed garlic and sun-dried tomatoes infuse the sauce with depth and a subtle sweetness. A splash of cream ties it all together, creating a silky backdrop for juicy chicken breasts and tender orzo. For added complexity, a hint of Parmesan cheese finishes the dish with a savory flourish.

One Pot, Minimal Mess: How to Bring It All Together

You’ll start by browning chicken in the same pot you’ll use for the entire recipe, ensuring every bite is packed with rich, caramelized flavor. After removing the chicken, add your aromatics, sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo to soak up all those pan juices. Next, simmer everything in chicken broth and cream until the orzo is creamy and the chicken is cooked through. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a burst of color and freshness.

Servings and Nutrition

This Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe yields about 4 hearty servings. Each portion delivers a balance of lean protein and satisfying carbs, clocking in at roughly 500-600 calories depending on the exact cream and cheese used. It’s a filling, all-in-one meal that leaves little to be desired.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. In a large skillet or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and nearly cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
3. Lower heat to medium. In the same pan, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add uncooked orzo, stirring to coat in the flavors. Pour in chicken broth, cream, Italian herbs, a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using), and Parmesan. Stir well.
5. Return chicken to the pot, nestling into the orzo. Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and sauce has thickened. (Add a splash more broth if needed.)
6. Check chicken for doneness (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove pot from heat.
7. Stir in fresh basil. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes, then slice or shred chicken as desired and serve, garnishing with extra basil and Parmesan.

Weekly Meal Planning

Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a fantastic option for weekly meal prep—it keeps well, reheats beautifully, and pairs with veggies or salads for a complete meal. Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to plan out your week, automate shopping lists, and efficiently buy exactly what you need.

Planning Benefits:

– Quickly see total quantities for shared ingredients across all your recipes
– Shopping list organized by store section—no doubling back for missed items
– Avoid duplicate ingredient purchases and reduce waste
– Easily swap or reschedule recipes for ultimate meal planning flexibility

Pro tip: When planning chicken-based meals multiple nights a week, let CookifyAI do the math for you—your consolidated list ensures you only buy as much as you need for every recipe.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Enjoy the ease and flavor of Marry Me Chicken Orzo—a one-pot meal that stays simple, satisfies every craving, and helps keep your weekly meal planning stress-free!