If you’re searching for a dinner that brings big, comforting flavors with minimal mess, this One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo is about to steal your heart (and maybe your hand in marriage, too!). It wraps tender chicken, creamy orzo, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach into a single, cozy skillet that promises weeknight ease with restaurant-level wow. Whether you need something special for guests or just want to treat yourself after a long day, this is the dish you’ll want in your back pocket — flavorful, simple, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! Each one plays a starring role in making One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo ridiculously craveable. You’ll only need a handful of everyday staples and a few flavorful favorites for texture, color, and a hit of Mediterranean sunshine.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into cubes for quick cooking; this gives every bite a little golden sear and tender juiciness.
Olive Oil: Classic, rich flavor and cooks everything evenly; a pantry must-have for a silky warm base.
Garlic Cloves: Mashed for maximum aroma and infused into every bite for a big hit of savory goodness.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed in oil and drained; their tangy sweetness adds color and a punchy, irresistible flavor.
Italian Seasoning: An all-in-one dry herb blend that layers in classic Mediterranean notes with zero effort.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a gorgeous color boost to the chicken and sauce.
Kosher Salt: Brings all the flavors together and seasons the chicken perfectly.
Ground Black Pepper: Balances the richness with just a little subtle heat.
Orzo: This rice-shaped pasta soaks up every bit of creamy sauce, turning the skillet into a hearty meal in one.
Chicken Broth or Water: The simmering liquid for the orzo; broth adds extra flavor, but water keeps it simple if that’s what you have.
Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Heavy Cream: Choose your favorite; coconut milk gives a twist, cream keeps it classic—either way, you get velvety richness.
Fresh Spinach: Wilts beautifully into the sauce for a pop of green and a bit of lightness.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, it melts right in for a cheesy, umami finish no one can resist.

How to Make One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start off by getting your chicken ready for the skillet. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel—this helps them pick up a nice sear instead of steaming. Slice them into cubes so they’ll cook fast and absorb all those dreamy flavors coming their way.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat your favorite large skillet over medium heat, then drizzle in the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, lay the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the edges are cooked and slightly golden. No need to cook them through yet—flavor comes in the next steps!

Step 3: Build Flavor with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spices

Scoop in the sun-dried tomatoes, mashed garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together, letting the garlic sizzle and spices bloom alongside the chicken for another 3 to 4 minutes. The oil from the tomatoes and the aromatics will create a tantalizing base for the sauce.

Step 4: Add Orzo and Simmer

Pour in your orzo and chicken broth (or water, if you’re keeping things simple). Stir well so every grain of orzo gets coated. Lower the heat to medium, cover your skillet, and let it cook for 12 minutes. Pause to stir every few minutes—this prevents sticking and keeps everything creamy. Don’t wander far; this is when One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo really starts smelling amazing!

Step 5: Finish Creamy and Green

When the orzo is perfectly tender, it’s time to infuse silky richness. Stir in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) and toss in a couple of big handfuls of fresh spinach. The heat will wilt the spinach fast, bringing color and freshness to your skillet.

Step 6: Stir in Parmesan and Serve

The final flourish: freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirred in until melted and luscious. Remove from the heat, grab your favorite deep bowls, and dive in while it’s hot and creamy.

How to Serve One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo

Garnishes

Top off your One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo with a shower of extra parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley if you have it. A drizzle of the oil from your sun-dried tomatoes also gives each serving that glossy, restaurant-worthy finish.

Side Dishes

This skillet really shines as a complete meal, but a simple side salad or a little crusty bread will never go amiss. Fresh greens with a lemony vinaigrette or warm baguette slices soak up that creamy sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little drama, let each person serve themselves straight from the skillet at the table—it’s rustic and fun! Or, plate up the chicken orzo in wide bowls, letting the golden sauce swirl around, and stack a few sun-dried tomato strips or spinach leaves on top for color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo stores nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The orzo will soak up some sauce, becoming even more flavorful by the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion cooled chicken orzo into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to two months—just know the texture might soften a bit after thawing, but the flavors stay delicious. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm up leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of broth, water, or cream to bring back the creamy texture. The microwave works, too—just heat in short bursts and stir well to keep everything smooth and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more flavor and stay extra juicy. Just trim any excess fat and follow the same steps—adjust cooking times as needed for thickness.

What can I use instead of coconut milk?

Heavy cream is a perfect swap for coconut milk in One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo. Greek yogurt (stirred in just at the end) or half-and-half can work, too, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional orzo contains wheat, so it’s not gluten-free by default. However, you can swap in gluten-free orzo or even small gluten-free pasta shapes with good results—just monitor the liquid since some alternative pastas absorb differently.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas with the sun-dried tomatoes for extra bulk and color. Spinach can be swapped for kale or arugula as well.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Omit the parmesan or use a dairy-free parmesan substitute, and stick with coconut milk instead of cream. The dish will stay creamy, flavorful, and totally satisfying without the cheese!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about this flavor-packed One-Pan “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo! It’s a true comfort meal that’s both easy and a little bit special—the kind you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and see if it doesn’t win over everyone at your table!