If you’re ready to fall in love with a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and bursting with vibrant flavors, then the Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe is calling your name. This recipe transforms humble ingredients like orzo pasta and shredded chicken into an unforgettable meal that feels both elegant and incredibly cozy. The marriage of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and fresh basil creates a rich and luscious sauce that clings to every bite of tender orzo, making it a perfect recipe to impress your family, friends, or maybe even that special someone. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner or go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, vibrant color, and creamy texture. These simple staples come together so effortlessly yet deliver a dish that’s nothing short of spectacular.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity, slightly peppery base note and helps sauté ingredients evenly.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Brings richness and a silky mouthfeel to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Packs an intense, concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce’s color and taste.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Offers a sweet-tart punch and chewy texture for contrast.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides earthy, herbaceous undertones that brighten the dish.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and savory depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat to enliven the flavors.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: The star grain that eagerly soaks up all of the luscious sauce.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Gives subtle acidity and complexity, balancing the creaminess perfectly.
- 1.5 cups chicken broth: Builds savory foundation and keeps the orzo tender as it cooks.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Adds divine creaminess and a velvety texture.
- 2 cups cooked shredded/rotisserie chicken: Provides hearty protein with effortless ease.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkles in umami richness and a hint of nuttiness.
- 1 small handful fresh basil (torn/chopped): Brings freshness and herbal brightness right at the end.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): The essential final seasoning to perfect your creation.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Flavor Base
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Once the butter reaches that perfect melt, add in the tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and uncooked orzo. Stir everything frequently as the orzo toasts lightly for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing those ingredients to mingle and develop a rich aroma that will form the backbone of this dish.
Step 2: Simmer with Wine, Broth, and Cream
Next, pour in the dry white wine and let it bubble for approximately one minute to burn off the alcohol, leaving behind a subtle tang. Then stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring everything to a gentle boil but watch closely—aim for a gentle simmer rather than a wild boil. Adjust your heat to medium or medium-low and keep stirring fairly often so the orzo doesn’t stick. Continue simmering uncovered for about 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully, coating each piece lovingly.
Step 3: Add Chicken, Cheese, and Basil
Now it’s time to fold in the cooked shredded chicken, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and torn basil leaves. This is the magical moment when all elements blend in perfect harmony, marrying creaminess, umami, and fresh herbaceous notes into an irresistible dish.
Step 4: Let It Rest and Season
Remove the pot from heat and cover it for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken to your preferred consistency. Then, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This resting step lets the flavors settle and intensify so every bite is pure delight.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe to the next level. I love adding extra torn basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top adds lovely depth and a slight salty bite. If you want a bit more texture, a handful of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil makes for a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables brings balance and contrast. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach adds a fresh, earthy element to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, try serving the pasta in shallow bowls where the creamy sauce pools enticingly. For a dinner party, individual ramekins can be baked briefly to get a slight golden crust on top—delicious! Or, spoon the orzo onto a wooden board surrounded by rustic bread and fresh herbs for a beautiful, shareable spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day!
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing and leave some room at the top for expansion.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring often. This helps revitalize the creamy texture without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
You can, but sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated sweetness and tang you won’t get from fresh ones. If you’d like to substitute, consider roasting fresh tomatoes first to deepen their flavor.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in this recipe?
Heavy cream gives the sauce its signature richness and silky texture that makes this dish so indulgent. You can try half-and-half or a dairy-free cream as a substitute, but the final result may be less creamy.
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Orzo works best here because it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce so well. Small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or tiny shells could work, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can boost the protein with sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas, or tofu.
Is this recipe spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth to the dish without overpowering it. If you prefer no spice, you can omit them altogether.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve experienced the comforting magic of the Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe, it’s hard not to keep coming back for more. Its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant herbs combine into a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or just craving a deliciously satisfying meal, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy orzo pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. Rich and creamy, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Pasta and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Main Protein and Cheese
- 2 cups cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, butter, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and uncooked orzo pasta. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture is fragrant, cooking for about 2-3 minutes.
- Add liquids and cook pasta: Pour in the dry white wine and allow it to bubble for approximately one minute to let the alcohol cook off. Next, add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking and ensuring it cooks evenly without the liquid reducing too much.
- Incorporate chicken and cheese: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and torn/chopped fresh basil. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Finish and rest: Remove the pot from the heat and cover it. Let the dish rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken speeds up the preparation, but any cooked shredded chicken works well.
- Be careful not to let the orzo stick to the pot during simmering, stir often.
- Adjust the creaminess by varying the resting time or the amount of cream used.
- Substitute white wine with extra chicken broth if preferred or for a non-alcoholic version.
- Fresh basil adds bright flavor – add more or less according to your taste.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
