If you’re looking to impress someone with a cozy yet gourmet dish, Marry Me Chicken Orzo is your go-to. This one-skillet wonder combines golden pan-seared chicken, creamy Parmesan orzo, and savory sun-dried tomatoes—all wrapped in a rich, velvety sauce. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, hosting friends, or just want a comforting meal that tastes like it came from a fancy bistro, this Marry Me Chicken Orzo is always a winner.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this flavorful Marry Me Chicken Orzo together:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Orzo and Sauce:
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and chopped
- 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Follow these easy steps to create your new favorite weeknight dinner:
1. Cook the Chicken
Sprinkle the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Place the cutlets in the pan and cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side, until they’re browned and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
2. Build the Base
Lower the heat to medium. In the same pan, add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for about 1 minute, letting the flavors develop.
3. Simmer the Orzo
Stir in the dry orzo pasta and toast briefly in the pan. Pour in the chicken broth and let the mixture come to a low boil. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the pasta is soft and most of the broth has been absorbed.
4. Creamy Sauce Time
Reduce the heat and add in the heavy cream, Parmesan, thyme, and Italian seasoning. If using, stir in the baby spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce turns creamy.
5. Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it warm through in the sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a bright, colorful touch.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Orzo
This Marry Me Chicken Orzo stands strong on its own, but here are a few delicious pairing ideas:
- A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables
- Rustic bread or garlic knots for dipping
- A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a buttery Chardonnay to complement the creamy sauce
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storage: Once the dish cools, place it in a tightly sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the saucy texture. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until fully warmed.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Orzo is everything you could want in a dinner—quick, delicious, and restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this creamy, comforting skillet dish is bound to earn rave reviews. Bonus: it only uses one pan, so cleanup is a breeze!
PrintMarry Me Chicken Orzo
This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, savory, slow-cooked dish that’s bursting with flavor—and rumored to be so good, it could inspire a proposal! Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and cream make this a no-fuss, gourmet meal perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.
- Cook Time: ~5 hours (slow cook)
- Total Time: 23 minute
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Sauce:
2 lbs (about 3–4) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tbsp fresh chopped basil or parsley (for garnish)
Optional for Serving:
Cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice
Instructions
Prep Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Sear (Optional for Extra Flavor):
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned (not fully cooked).
Transfer seared chicken to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Build the Sauce:
In the same skillet (optional step), sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then deglaze with a splash of chicken broth. Pour into the slow cooker.
Add remaining chicken broth, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the Crock Pot. Stir to combine.
Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
Add Cream & Cheese:
Once chicken is cooked, stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
If sauce is thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the sauce. Cook an additional 20–30 minutes to thicken slightly.
Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a comforting meal.
Notes
Chicken Thighs Option: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
Make It Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes are gluten-free.
Vegetarian Tip: Substitute chicken with canned chickpeas and add spinach in the last 30 minutes for a vegetarian version.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to cook uncovered on HIGH for 15–20 minutes after adding the cream.
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Orzo
