Name: One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), halved horizontally; 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped; 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (uncooked); 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving; 1 cup baby spinach (loosely packed); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish

Get ready to fall head-over-heels for this absolutely dreamy One-Pan "Marry Me" Chicken Orzo! Succulent golden chicken nestled in velvety, parmesan-laced orzo with sun-dried tomatoes and a fragrant blend of garlic, herbs, and cream-every bite is rich, savory, and just a little bit magical.

This recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights. You only need one pan, it's quick to make, and cleanup is a breeze. The flavors are seriously restaurant-worthy, but you can get it on the table in under an hour.

It's perfect for family dinners, impressing guests, or when you want something cozy and spectacular without a ton of effort. Inspired by everyone's favorite "marry me" sauce and my love for comforting pasta, this one's a dinner win every single time!

One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo bubbling golden in a skillet, sprinkled with fresh basil

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One pan, zero stress: Everything cooks together, so you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying dinner.
Ultra-creamy texture: Orzo soaks up the rich sauce, making each spoonful creamy, cheesy, and irresistible.
Big flavors, simple steps: Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs bring bold taste with minimal effort.
Versatile for any occasion: Cozy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for special dinners and guests.

Key Ingredients for One-Pan "Marry Me" Chicken Orzo

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

These are the stars of the dish, providing tender, juicy bites that soak up all the amazing flavors of the sauce. Slice them in half horizontally for even cooking and ultimate tenderness. If you prefer, boneless skinless thighs can also be used for extra richness-they stay juicy even after simmering.

Orzo Pasta

Tiny, rice-shaped orzo transforms into a creamy, risotto-like base in this skillet meal. Be sure to use regular orzo (not whole wheat or specialty blends) for the silkiest texture. If you can't find orzo, small pasta shapes like ditalini or pearl couscous can work, though the final texture will be slightly different.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

These punchy, chewy gems bring an irresistible sweet-tart flavor that makes the "marry me" sauce sing. Look for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best depth-drain them well before chopping. In a pinch, rehydrated dry-packed tomatoes will work, but may need a dash of extra olive oil for richness.

Heavy Cream

This is key for the luscious, restaurant-style sauce. It gives the orzo a dreamy, silky finish. If you want to lighten things up, half-and-half can be used instead-just note the sauce will be a little less thick and decadent.

Parmesan Cheese

Salty, nutty parmesan ties the whole dish together! Freshly grated is best for meltability and flavor, but pre-grated works in a rush. Asiago or pecorino are great swaps if that's what you have on hand.

Instructions for One-Pan "Marry Me" Chicken Orzo

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and all the Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and almost cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate (it'll finish cooking later).

Sauté Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan (don't wipe it!), add garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to release their flavor.

Toast the Orzo

Pour the orzo into the skillet and toss for about 2 minutes. You want it slightly toasted-it'll help keep the orzo al dente in the finished dish and build more flavor. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Add Liquids and Simmer

Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping the bottom to prevent sticking. Stir in parmesan. Nestle the seared chicken and any juices back into the pan, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low.

Cook Until Creamy

Let everything simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender, chicken is cooked through, and sauce is creamy. Uncover for the final two minutes to thicken if desired.

Add Spinach and Finish

Stir in the spinach and fresh basil, letting the greens wilt for 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan and more basil if you like!

Recipe Variations

Swap the Protein

Not a fan of chicken? This recipe works beautifully with boneless pork chops or even pan-seared salmon fillets. Just be mindful of varying cooking times-fish will cook much faster than chicken.

Make It Dairy-Free

Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use your favorite plant-based parmesan. The sauce will have a subtle coconut hint, but the sun-dried tomatoes and herbs still shine!

Veggie-Forward Option

Bulk up the greens by doubling the spinach or adding chopped kale, zucchini, or asparagus to the skillet along with the orzo. Mushrooms make a great addition for extra umami.

Turn Up the Heat

If you like it spicy, increase the red pepper flakes or toss in a pinch of Calabrian chiles when sautéing the garlic and tomatoes for a bold, zesty kick.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Use gluten-free orzo or small rice shapes. You may need to slightly adjust the amount of broth and cook time since gluten-free pastas sometimes absorb liquid differently.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve your One-Pan "Marry Me" Chicken Orzo with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette and some warm, crusty bread for scooping up the creamy sauce. A simple side of roasted vegetables or blistered green beans rounds things out beautifully. Don't forget a flourish of extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan to finish!

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream and warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a little liquid to keep it creamy. This dish is best fresh but can be frozen (cool completely before freezing); defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.

Frequently Asked Questions About One-Pan "Marry Me" Chicken Orzo (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

A: Absolutely! Store cooled portions in meal prep containers. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen things up.

Q: What other cheeses can I use instead of parmesan?

A: Asiago, pecorino, or even a handful of sharp white cheddar can be used if that's what you have-each brings its own delicious twist.

Q: My orzo soaked up all the liquid and looks dry—what should I do?

A: Simply stir in a little bit more chicken broth or cream while reheating until you reach your desired saucy consistency.

This dreamy One-Pan "Marry Me" Chicken Orzo is sure to become your new weeknight hero-creamy, flavorful, and so easy! Give it a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Don't forget to leave a rating so others can find and fall in love with this recipe too!