Dinner

Marry Me Chicken Orzo {One Pot} Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan February 20, 2026February 20, 2026

Introduction

This one-pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with creamy orzo and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes. Ideal for a busy weeknight, it’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough to share with family or friends.

A close-up view of creamy, orange-tinted pasta mixed with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and wilted green spinach leaves, all combined in a deep pan. The surface of the pasta has a rich, thick texture with small chunks of white shredded chicken mixed in. In the center, there is a light gathering of finely grated pale yellow cheese sprinkled with some cracked black pepper, adding contrast to the creamy pasta around it. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

650 g chicken breast (about 4, skinless and boneless, chopped)
1 tbsp olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar)

3 garlic cloves (peeled and crushed)
170 g sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained)

1 tsp oregano
2 tsp paprika

250 g orzo
650 ml hot chicken stock
150 ml double cream

50 g Parmesan (grated)
120 g spinach
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a large, deep frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. When hot, add the chicken pieces carefully. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all sides start to brown.
Step 2: Lower the heat and add the crushed garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Stir for 3–5 minutes until the garlic softens and releases its aroma.
Step 3: Add the orzo, hot chicken stock, and a good pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Stir well, then cover with a lid. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is almost tender.

Step 4: Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add the spinach and double cream, stirring thoroughly for 1–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cream warms through. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked at this stage.
Step 5: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly combined. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green twist.

Use smoked paprika for a richer, smokier flavor.
For a lighter version, replace double cream with half-and-half or a creamy plant-based alternative.
Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the dish and balances the creaminess.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess if needed. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a creamy orange-yellow orzo pasta mixed with white shredded chicken pieces, green spinach leaves, and small reddish sun-dried tomato bits swirled together, all in a white bowl. On the left side, there is a generous sprinkle of finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese with specks of black pepper on top. A silver spoon is partially dipped into the mixture at the bottom right, showing the soft and rich texture of the dish. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and can add extra moisture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

Is it possible to make this dish without cream?

Absolutely. You can omit the cream and add a bit more chicken stock for a lighter version. Adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt after cooking can also give a creamy texture without the heaviness of cream.