If you’re craving a dish that combines creamy comfort with a burst of vibrant flavors, the Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful meal brings together tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and cheesy goodness all melded beautifully with orzo pasta. It’s not just a meal; it’s an invitation to enjoy a rich and comforting dish that feels special enough for a romantic dinner but simple enough for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that each play an important role in creating a luscious, well-balanced dish. From the earthy flavors of basil and garlic to the rich cream and Parmesan that give the dish its silky sauce, every element is essential.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Use those packed in oil and reserve the oil for extra flavor; they add a sweet and tangy punch.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with a warm and aromatic foundation.
- Dried basil: Adds a subtle herbaceous note that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
- Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that imparts depth and richness to the orzo.
- Orzo: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and absorbs the tasty broth for a creamy texture.
- Heavy whipping cream: Makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and indulgent.
- Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is perfect for convenience and flavor.
- Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a slightly earthy freshness.
- Parmesan cheese: Both stirred in and sprinkled on top for that perfect cheesy finish.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, bringing all the flavors together just right.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the Oil
Start by heating a tablespoon of the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and dried basil, and let them cook just until fragrant, about one minute. This step awakens those beautiful aromas that set the stage for the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Next, add the chicken broth, orzo, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet and bring everything to a lively boil. This combination will create the luscious, creamy base for your dish.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat so the mixture is just simmering lightly. Cook uncovered for around 12 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The orzo will absorb the flavorful liquid and soften, while the sauce thickens beautifully. Keep a little broth nearby—you might want to add some if it looks too dry before the orzo is tender.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Now, stir in your cooked chicken, fresh spinach, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it all simmer for 2 to 3 minutes more, allowing the spinach to wilt gently and the sauce to thicken slightly as everything heats through.
Step 5: Season and Rest
Finally, taste and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes—this helps the flavors meld together. Serve with extra Parmesan on top if you love that cheesy punch.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your presentation and flavor. Try a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a hint of herbal brightness. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can also add a lovely finishing touch that surprises the palate.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully rich, so pairing it with light and fresh sides works beautifully. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables with a touch of garlic will balance the creaminess. If you want to stay in the comfort zone, serve it with warm crusty bread to soak up every bit of that divine sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe in shallow bowls for a rustic, homey appeal. Layer with a bit of fresh spinach on the bottom or top for color contrast. You can also plate it alongside grilled lemon wedges that guests can squeeze over for a zesty zest that brightens the dish even further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop, making it a superb next-day meal that’s just as delicious.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at very high power as the cream sauce might separate; slow and gentle warming keeps everything creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe work well, but orzo’s tiny, rice-like shape is ideal for creamy dishes like this one since it absorbs the sauce beautifully.
What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is your shortcut to flavorful, cooked chicken that saves time, but leftover roasted or grilled chicken will also shine in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to keep it creamy and cheesy without dairy.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all, it’s mild and creamy with a perfect balance of savory and tangy notes from the sun-dried tomatoes. You can add red pepper flakes during cooking if you want a little heat.
How do I know when the orzo is perfectly cooked?
Orzo cooks quickly—after about 12 to 14 minutes it should be tender but not mushy. Stir often and taste-test near the end to make sure it’s just right.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe is a vibrant, creamy, and deliciously satisfying dish that you’ll come back to time and again. It’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but feels special enough to share with someone you love. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be a fast favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy, comforting stovetop dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a rich Parmesan and cream sauce served over orzo pasta. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained, reserve oil)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken (rotisserie or other)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (gently packed)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus additional for serving)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat 1 tablespoon of the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and dried basil, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to build flavor.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo pasta. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer orzo: Reduce heat to maintain a low boil. Cook uncovered for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens slightly. Add extra broth as needed to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate chicken and spinach: Stir in the cooked chopped chicken, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and allow the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken further.
- Season and rest: Taste the dish and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese if preferred.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time but any cooked chicken works well.
- Reserve the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes as it adds great flavor when sautéing the garlic.
- If the sauce thickens too much, stir in more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby kale or Swiss chard for a different green.
- Parmesan adds a salty depth; omit for a dairy-free version and use nutritional yeast or a vegan alternative.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of broth.
