Creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Category: Sophisticated Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less

This creamy Marry Me chicken orzo brings together juicy chicken thighs, rich heavy cream, and aromatic sun-dried tomatoes in a satisfying one-pot meal. Bite-sized chicken is seasoned and seared to golden, then combined with sautéed onions, garlic, and red pepper. Everything simmers with tomato paste, orzo, and chicken stock until tender, creating a velvety sauce full of savory depth. The dish blends hearty grains, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious texture, making it both comforting and full-flavored. Let rest briefly before serving for maximum creaminess and flavor.

A woman in a white chef's coat smiles for the camera.
Created By Mia Laurent
Updated on Tue, 27 May 2025 20:46:00 GMT
A bowl of food with chicken and tomatoes. Pin
A bowl of food with chicken and tomatoes. | chefmiarecipes.com

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo packs all the comfort of a creamy pasta and the heartiness of chicken into one skillet. This dish has become my go-to for busy nights when I want something impressive yet truly effortless. Every spoonful delivers tangy sun-dried tomatoes, juicy chicken, and velvety orzo that feels impossibly indulgent.

The rich sauce with tender orzo and savory chicken easily wins over everyone at the table. The first time I made this I knew I had found a weeknight staple that also feels special enough for date night.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: bite-sized for juiciness and easy cooking select ones with a good amount of fat for best flavor
  • Red bell pepper: adds a subtle sweetness and pop of color choose firm vibrant peppers with shiny skin
  • Onion: builds aromatic depth aim for fresh and firm for sweeter flavor
  • Fresh garlic: provides robust flavor mince just before using for the best taste
  • Tomato paste: intensifies the sauce with deep umami flavor look for double-concentrated if available
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: give a tangy kick and chewy texture the oil-packed kind brings extra richness
  • Heavy cream: creates the luscious sauce opt for full-fat for ultimate silkiness
  • Chicken stock: gives body and deepens the dish use homemade or low-sodium for best results
  • Orzo: soaks up sauce and cooks up tender look for short quick-cooking pasta
  • Pork lard or oil: adds richness and helps brown the chicken pick flavorful fats for more character
  • Garlic powder, paprika powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper: provide seasoning layers use smoked paprika for warmth and depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
Mix the diced chicken thighs with garlic powder paprika powder chili flakes salt pepper and a little olive oil in a bowl. Let it marinate overnight for the deepest flavor though a quick toss is great if time is short.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat pork lard or oil in your large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about seven minutes until each piece is golden brown on the outside but still juicy inside. Move the chicken temporarily to a bowl but keep the flavorful oil in the pan.
Sauté Vegetables:
To the same pan add chopped red bell pepper onion and fresh garlic. Cook over low-medium heat for about seven minutes stirring occasionally until everything is soft and fragrant. Add the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes gently stirring them in so the paste loses its raw edge.
Create the Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock slowly blending with the veggies and tomato mixture. Slide the browned chicken back into the pan and season with another sprinkle of garlic powder paprika chili flakes salt and pepper so the sauce develops bold flavor.
Add Orzo and Simmer:
Stir the orzo into the creamy sauce making sure it is submerged fully. Let the mixture simmer gently for eight to ten minutes until the orzo is tender and the liquid thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Serve:
Take the skillet off the heat as soon as the orzo is cooked through but still creamy. Top with extra cracked pepper and chopped parsley if you have it. Let it cool down for a few minutes so the sauce thickens further then dig in and enjoy the comfort.
A pan of food with a spoon in it. Pin
A pan of food with a spoon in it. | chefmiarecipes.com

Sun-dried tomatoes are my favorite ingredient here I love the sharp tang they bring which cuts through the richness and makes every bite interesting. The first time I shared this dish at a family dinner we all went back for seconds and now it is often requested at gatherings.

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool to room temperature before storing. Place in an airtight container in the fridge where it will keep for up to three days. The sauce tends to thicken so add a splash of extra chicken stock or milk when reheating and warm gently on the stove for the creamiest texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat just keep an eye on the cook time so they stay juicy. If you are out of heavy cream use a mixture of milk and a little cream cheese for a similarly decadent sauce. Veggie broth makes a fine substitute for chicken stock if you want a lighter option. Feel free to use olive oil instead of pork lard for a vegetarian-friendly fat.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a zesty green salad or roasted green beans to balance out the richness. Fresh warm bread is perfect for sopping up every bit of sauce. I also like topping leftovers with a little parmesan and fresh basil to elevate the flavors even further.

A bowl of food with chicken and tomatoes. Pin
A bowl of food with chicken and tomatoes. | chefmiarecipes.com

Cultural Context

Orzo pasta is a staple in Mediterranean and Italian cooking typically used in comforting soups or creamy skillet dishes like this one. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and cream nods to classic Italian-American recipes known for rich vibrant flavor and family-style ease.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast can be used, but thighs yield juicier results and stay tender during simmering.

→ What can I substitute for orzo?

You can try pearl barley or small pasta shapes such as ditalini or macaroni for a similar texture.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare in advance and reheat gently, adding a little broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce at the end to adjust the heat to your preference.

→ What garnishes work well with this dish?

Freshly chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, or a sprinkle of parmesan complement the creamy flavors beautifully.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Juicy chicken and orzo simmered in creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper, and savory spices.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Total Duration
40 minutes
Created By: Mia Laurent

Recipe Category: Weeknight Elegance

Skill Level: Moderately Challenging

Recipe Cuisine: Italian

Recipe Yield: 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Categories: ~

Ingredients You’ll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 500 g chicken thighs, diced into bite-size pieces
02 1 red pepper, diced
03 ½ onion, finely chopped
04 3 garlic cloves, minced
05 2 teaspoons tomato paste
06 100 g sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
07 500 ml heavy cream
08 400 ml chicken stock
09 400 g orzo
10 2 tablespoons pork lard or oil of choice
11 Garlic powder, paprika powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper, to taste

Steps to Make It

Step 01

In a bowl, toss the diced chicken thighs with garlic powder, paprika powder, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Marinating overnight is recommended, but optional.

Step 02

Heat the pork lard or vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs to the hot pan and cook for about 7 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate bowl, keeping the oil at the bottom of the pan.

Step 03

In the same pan, add the diced red pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté over low-medium heat until softened, about 7 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Step 04

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock, then return the cooked chicken thighs to the pan. Season with additional garlic powder, paprika powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 05

Stir in the orzo and let everything simmer together for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked to your desired tenderness and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 06

Once the orzo is cooked, remove from heat. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and chopped parsley if desired. Let it cool off for 4-5 minutes before serving.

Essential Tools

  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Large Skillet

Allergen Details

Review every item for allergen risks. Reach out to a healthcare expert for any concerns.
  • Dairy
  • Gluten

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

These figures are for general reference and shouldn’t replace expert medical guidance.
  • Caloric Content: 625
  • Fat Content: 40 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 40 grams
  • Protein Content: 30 grams