Description
Marry Me Chicken Orzo One Pot combines tender chicken breasts with creamy Parmesan sauce and bite-sized orzo pasta, all cooked together in a single pot for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 4 chicken breasts, juicy and tender
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Aromatics & Seasoning
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Oils & Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Sear each side over medium-high heat until golden brown but not fully cooked through. This locks in juices and builds flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove chicken and add the minced garlic to the same pot. Sauté until fragrant, letting the fond left from the chicken infuse the base of your sauce with depth.
- Add Liquids and Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom to loosen browned bits. Stir in the orzo pasta, ensuring even cooking in the creamy liquid.
- Simmer with Chicken: Return chicken breasts to the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the orzo is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through. The pasta absorbs the rich flavors of broth and cream.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to add brightness and a mild kick.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for a deeper flavor.
- Don’t overcook the orzo—keep it slightly al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Let the dish rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking to thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to brighten each serving.
- Grate your own Parmesan for best melting and freshest taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: marry me chicken, orzo recipe, creamy chicken and orzo, one pot meals, easy chicken dinner, weeknight dinner, creamy Parmesan chicken