One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Some recipes just click. The first time I made this one pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo, I knew it was a keeper. It was a chilly Sunday evening, and I’d just come back from the farmer’s market with a basket of fresh herbs and a craving for something creamy and cozy, but not fussy.

That’s when I remembered an old notecard tucked in my grandmother’s recipe box with “chicken + cream + tomatoes = heaven” scribbled on it. I swapped the pasta for orzo, added garlic, broth, and let it all come together in one skillet.

The result? Pure magic. Comforting, flavorful, and the kind of dish folks want the recipe for after just one bite.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the full one pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe, tips for variations, ingredient swaps, and answer common questions. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress, this skillet is your new secret weapon.

Table of Contents

The Story Behind This One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Why this dish works for weeknights and weekends alike

There’s something wildly comforting about creamy orzo wrapped around tender chicken in a rich, garlicky sauce. And the beauty of this one pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is how effortlessly it comes together. Everything cooks in a single skillet, yes, even the orzo, so clean-up is a breeze.

When you sauté the seasoned chicken in olive oil and let the tomatoes burst into the garlicky broth, something wonderful happens. The flavors deepen. The cream melts in. The orzo soaks up every bit of it. It’s not just dinner, it’s a little moment of joy in your day.

If you’re already a fan of my classic Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll love how this version delivers that same flavor-packed punch in a cozy, rustic skillet form. It’s the kind of dish that invites second helpings, and maybe even a marriage proposal or two.

Inspired by Sunday comfort, made for weeknight ease

Growing up just outside Asheville, I learned early that the best meals didn’t have to be complicated. My grandma’s roasted chicken was simple, but it brought everyone to the table. That’s the same spirit I bring to this one pan Marry Me Chicken with Orzo.

It’s flexible, too. Want to toss in spinach like we do in the Marry Me Chicken with Spinach? Go for it. Need to make it dairy-free or gluten-free? I’ll walk you through that in Part 2. Whether it’s your first time cooking or your hundredth, this dish will make you feel like you’ve made something special.

Ingredients and Easy Swaps for One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Ingredients for one pan marry me chicken with orzo — All the ingredients you need for creamy chicken orzo

What makes this one pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe so reliable is that it doesn’t require anything fancy. You likely already have most of what you need in your kitchen.

The heart of the dish is tender chicken, creamy broth, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and orzo pasta, all cooked together in one skillet for easy prep and clean-up.

The orzo plays a big role. It looks like rice but cooks like pasta, absorbing every bit of that garlicky, savory sauce. It’s also a great base because it gives a soft, creamy texture, similar to risotto but quicker. When the chicken is seared to golden and simmered with garlic, cream, and broth, it becomes a cozy, satisfying dinner.

Here’s a breakdown of the core ingredients and what they do:

Ingredient	Purpose in the Recipe
Chicken (thighs or breasts)	Main protein, juicy and flavorful
Orzo pasta	Soaks up the sauce, gives creamy texture
Sun-dried tomatoes	Adds sweet, tangy depth
Garlic + red pepper flakes	Brings warmth and bold flavor
Chicken broth	Base for the sauce
Heavy cream	Makes the sauce rich and velvety
Parmesan cheese	Salty finish and extra creaminess
Olive oil	For searing and sautéing
Fresh basil or parsley	Brightens and balances the dish

If you’ve enjoyed my One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll love this version with orzo, it’s just as flavorful but with a softer, spoonable finish.

How can you adapt this recipe for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets?

This recipe is easy to modify without losing the comfort factor. If you need it gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo or sub in short-grain rice. Arborio or even quinoa works well.

For a dairy-free version, coconut cream is a solid swap for heavy cream, and nutritional yeast gives a cheesy touch without actual cheese. If you want to skip the chicken, mushrooms or chickpeas are excellent substitutes. Simply give them a nice sear before pouring in the liquids.

If you’re more into slow-simmered meals, this stovetop version offers a quicker alternative to the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, with all the same bold flavors.

How to Make One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo (Step-by-Step)

Simmering orzo and cream in marry me chicken recipe — Simmering orzo and cream in one pan with flavor

Making it all in one pan keeps cleanup simple and stress-free.

This one pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe is a true weeknight winner. It comes together in under 40 minutes with just one skillet, no boiling or draining pasta separately.

The chicken gets seared until golden, the aromatics build flavor in the same pan, and the orzo cooks right in the sauce.

Here’s how to make it:

Sear the chicken – Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes – Reduce the heat in the same pan, and if needed, drizzle in a little extra oil. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
Deglaze and add broth – Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful bits on the bottom.
Add cream, orzo, and bring to simmer – Stir in the heavy cream and uncooked orzo. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks.
Return chicken to the skillet – Once the orzo is tender, add the chicken back in along with any juices.
Finish with parmesan and herbs – Stir in the parmesan and sprinkle fresh basil or parsley before serving.

The result? Tender chicken nestled in creamy, tomato-rich orzo with garlic in every bite. It’s simple, hearty, and so satisfying.

If you love the boldness of my Marry Me Chicken with Spinach, feel free to add a couple handfuls of baby spinach here during the last few minutes of cooking. It wilts beautifully into the sauce and boosts the nutrition.

Pro tips for perfect texture and flavor

Don’t rush the sear – Browning the chicken adds a ton of flavor. Let it sit untouched for a few minutes on each side before flipping.
Use low-sodium broth – That way you can control the saltiness, especially with salty parmesan.
Stir orzo regularly – Since orzo can sink and stick, give it a few stirs during the simmer to keep the sauce smooth.
Let it rest a couple minutes – Just like risotto, this dish thickens as it sits.

This method makes dinner feel fancy but requires no more effort than tossing ingredients into a single pan and letting the magic happen.

Serving and Storing One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo Like a Pro

One pan chicken orzo served with herbs — Creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo ready to serve

What to serve with one pan marry me chicken orzo?

This dish is rich, creamy, and satisfying on its own, but a few thoughtful pairings can round out the meal beautifully. When I serve this one pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo to guests, I like to keep the sides simple and fresh. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the orzo perfectly. Steamed green beans or roasted broccolini are also great choices.

If you’re in the mood for bread (and honestly, who isn’t when there’s sauce involved?), a slice of warm garlic bread or a fluffy dinner roll works wonders. That sauce is too good to leave behind.

This skillet meal is hearty enough for special occasions but easy enough for everyday dinners. It’s become my go-to for potlucks and Sunday suppers, right up there with our comforting Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

How to store and reheat marry me one pan chicken orzo?

Leftovers? Lucky you. This one pan marry me chicken with orzo stores well and reheats beautifully. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.

Here’s how to store it:

Storage Method	How Long It Lasts	Notes
In the fridge	Up to 4 days	Use an airtight container
In the freezer	Up to 2 months	Freeze in portions for easy reheating

To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the orzo, then warm it gently over medium-low heat. The sauce will thicken in the fridge, so the extra liquid helps bring back the creamy texture.

Microwaving? Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 45-second bursts, stirring between each until warm. It’s still just as comforting the next day, especially when served with fresh herbs on top.

This one pan marry me chicken orzo reheats even better than most pasta dishes, making it a solid make-ahead option for busy weeks or freezer meal prep. Add it to your regular rotation, you won’t regret it.

Conclusion: Why One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Lineup

This one pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes, easy, flavorful, comforting, and ready in under an hour with barely any cleanup. It’s perfect for beginners but satisfying enough for seasoned cooks too.

Whether you’re whipping up dinner on a weeknight or treating guests to something special, this one pan marry me chicken with orzo brings bold, creamy flavors with very little effort. And with flexible ingredients and easy substitutions, it fits almost any table or diet.

It’s become a favorite in my home, and I hope it becomes one in yours too. Try it once, and you just might get asked to make it again… and again.

Common Questions About One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

How many calories are in Marry Me Chicken Orzo?

Calories can vary depending on serving size and ingredients. On average, one serving of one pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo contains about 450–550 calories, depending on the amount of cream and parmesan used. Cut calories by swapping in light cream or skipping the cheese altogether.

What to serve with Marry Me Chicken?

This dish goes great with fresh sides such as a crisp green salad, warm garlic bread, or oven-roasted veggies. The creamy orzo is rich and filling, so keep the sides light and simple for balance.

Is Marry Me Chicken tasty?

Yes, Marry Me Chicken is creamy, savory, and packed with bold flavor. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and bold sun-dried tomatoes, it’s no wonder people are falling in love with it. The one pan marry me chicken orzo version is just as tasty, and even easier to make.

Why is it called “marry me chicken pasta”?

The name “Marry Me Chicken” started as a fun way to describe how delicious the dish is, supposedly so good it could inspire a marriage proposal! This one pan version with orzo delivers that same bold, comforting flavor in an easy weeknight format.

What type of pasta goes with Marry Me Chicken?

Marry Me Chicken works beautifully with short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. But in this one pan version, orzo is ideal, it cooks directly in the sauce, absorbs all the flavor, and creates a creamy, risotto-like texture that’s perfect for this dish.

What is Marry Me Chicken made of?

Classic Marry Me Chicken is made with pan-seared chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. This one pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo recipe keeps those signature flavors but adds orzo pasta, cooking it all together for a one-skillet comfort meal.

One Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo – Quick Weeknight Skillet Dish