If you have not tried it yet, the Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe is an absolute gem that combines creamy, savory flavors with a comforting hint of Italian charm. This dish is rich with tender chicken, luscious sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta all enveloped in a decadent sauce that just begs for second helpings. Each bite feels like a warm hug, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a meal to impress loved ones without stress. Trust me, once you make this, you might just want to marry it yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, working in harmony to deliver a burst of flavor, texture, and beautiful color that brings this dish to life. Every component plays a role, from the aromatic garlic to the creamy parmesan, ensuring the Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe is as delightful to make as it is to eat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity richness that’s perfect for starting the dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Brings creamy depth and helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds subtle sweetness and umami.
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Provide a chewy, tangy pop that brightens the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses a classic Italian herb note that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Offers aromatic pungency that will awaken your taste buds.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle, warming kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta: The star grain offering a tender, slightly chewy texture that absorbs all the creamy goodness.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Enhances complexity with a subtle fruity acidity and depth.
- 1.5 cups chicken broth: Provides savory moisture and base flavor to cook the orzo in.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Delivers that irresistible richness and silky sauce texture.
- 2 cups cooked shredded/rotisserie chicken: The hearty protein that makes this comfort meal satisfying and complete.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty highlights that tie the whole dish together.
- 1 small handful fresh basil (torn/chopped): Brings freshness and bright herbal notes for a lovely finish.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Ingredients
Begin by combining olive oil, butter, and tomato paste in a large pot over medium-high heat. As the butter melts, add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and orzo pasta. Stir frequently to toast the orzo and develop the deep flavors of the tomato paste and spices. This step takes about 2-3 minutes and lays the foundation for the luscious sauce to come.
Step 2: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the dry white wine and let it bubble gently for about a minute to cook off the alcohol while infusing the dish with subtle acidity. Next, add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring regularly so the orzo cooks perfectly without sticking to the bottom.
Step 3: Stir in the Chicken and Cheese
Once your orzo is tender and the liquid has thickened just right, add the cooked shredded chicken, freshly grated parmesan, and the torn basil leaves. Stir everything together until the cheese melts into the creamy sauce, and the chicken warms through. This is where the dish truly comes together with bursts of savory and fresh flavors.
Step 4: Rest and Season
Remove the pot from heat, cover it with a lid, and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes. This resting period thickens the sauce even more and allows flavors to meld beautifully. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking for that perfect balance.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate the dish and add vibrant color and texture. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese or a few more torn basil leaves will make each plate feel special. For a final touch, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add a silky finish and enhance the aroma.
Side Dishes
This creamy, flavorful meal pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or some garlic roasted vegetables. The freshness and crunchiness of these sides balance the richness of the Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe perfectly, rounding out the meal in a satisfying way.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends? Consider serving this recipe in individual shallow bowls with a basil leaf placed artfully on top. For a family-style dinner, use a beautiful serving dish and let everyone help themselves, creating a warm, communal vibe. You can even garnish plates with a light dusting of smoked paprika for a subtle pop of color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the flavors meld even more over time, the dish can taste even richer the next day. Just be sure to cool it before sealing to keep everything fresh and safe.
Freezing
While the creamy texture may change slightly after freezing, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. Use a freezer-safe airtight container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a fantastic way to keep a convenient yet delicious meal on hand for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, for a quick warm-up. Either way, it’s easy to bring this dish back to its creamy, comforting glory!
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo’s small, rice-like shape works wonderfully to absorb the sauce, you can swap in small pasta like acini di pepe or pastina. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid over or undercooking.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the recipe?
White wine adds brightness and depth, but if you prefer to skip alcohol, you can substitute an equal amount of extra chicken broth or a mild white grape juice for sweetness. The dish will still be deliciously creamy and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe with raw chicken instead of shredded cooked chicken?
This recipe is designed for cooked shredded chicken to keep the cooking time short and simple. However, you can add diced raw chicken at Step 2 and increase simmering time until cooked through, but watch the orzo carefully so it doesn’t overcook.
How spicy is the dish with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that complements the creamy sauce without making it spicy. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance.
Can I use light cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
For the best creamy texture and richness, heavy cream is recommended. Using lighter cream or milk will result in a thinner sauce and less decadence, but it can still be a tasty option if you prefer a lighter dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so cozy and indulgent about the Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe that makes it an instant favorite in my kitchen. It feels fancy but comes together so easily, weaving together bright, creamy, and savory notes in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to bring a smile and maybe even a proposal-worthy moment to your table. Dive in and savor every spoonful—you won’t regret it!
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: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo is a creamy and flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender shredded chicken, orzo pasta cooked in a rich tomato and cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and a hint of white wine. Garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, this comforting recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly.
Ingredients
Primary 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
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 2 cups cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté and Cook Seasonings: In a pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil, butter, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and uncooked orzo. Once the butter has melted, cook everything together for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring frequently to combine flavors and lightly toast the orzo.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the dry white wine and allow it to bubble for about one minute to reduce slightly. Then stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low so it simmers gently. Continue cooking uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring often to prevent the orzo from sticking. Be careful not to let the liquid reduce too much before the pasta finishes cooking.
- Incorporate Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and torn fresh basil until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Thicken and Season: Remove the pot from heat and cover it. Let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the dish to thicken to your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time or cook your own shredded chicken for a fresher option.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- Make sure to stir frequently while simmering to avoid the orzo sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If you don’t have white wine, you may substitute with extra chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
