Creamy One-Pot Chicken Orzo

This one-pot wonder combines tender orzo and chicken in a creamy sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. Ready in just 30 minutes.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tuesday 24 December 2024
A wooden spoon is lifting a serving of creamy orzo pasta with pieces of chicken from a black pot.
A wooden spoon is lifting a serving of creamy orzo pasta with pieces of chicken from a black pot. Pin it
A wooden spoon is lifting a serving of creamy orzo pasta with pieces of chicken from a black pot. | Recipesbyclare.com

This Marry Me Chicken Orzo combines all my favorite comfort food elements into one pot. The name comes from that irresistible sun-dried tomato cream sauce that makes anyone fall in love at first bite. It's become my go-to dish for date nights at home or when I need something special but simple.

Quick Yet Special

The beauty of this dish lies in how quickly it comes together while tasting like you spent hours in the kitchen. Using rotisserie chicken and cooking everything in one pot makes it perfect for busy evenings when you still want something impressive.

What You'll Need

  • Olive Oil and Butter: 2 tablespoons each, for the base of the sauce and to lightly toast the orzo.
  • Tomato Paste and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1 tablespoon paste and 1/3 cup sun-dried, for rich tomato flavor.
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for savory depth.
  • Oregano and Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon oregano and 1/4 teaspoon flakes, for flavor and gentle warmth.
  • Orzo: 1 cup, for its risotto-like texture that cooks quickly.
  • White Wine: 1/2 cup, adds a bright, acidic note. Substitute with chicken broth if needed.
  • Chicken Broth: 3 cups, for a savory liquid base.
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for a luxurious sauce texture.
  • Chicken: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, for ease and flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup freshly grated, for richness.
  • Basil: 1/4 cup chopped fresh, for a pop of freshness.

Let's Cook

Build Your Base
Start with those aromatics letting them get nice and fragrant in the oil and butter.
Toast Your Orzo
Give it a quick toast in all those flavors it makes such a difference.
Create the Sauce
Add your liquids and let that orzo cook right in the creamy sauce.
Bring It Together
Stir in your chicken cheese and basil letting everything get warm and melty.
Time to Enjoy
Serve it up while it's hot and creamy perfect for sharing.
A bowl of creamy orzo pasta topped with grilled chicken and garnished with fresh basil leaves. Pin it
A bowl of creamy orzo pasta topped with grilled chicken and garnished with fresh basil leaves. | Recipesbyclare.com

My Best Tips

Keep an eye on your liquid levels as the orzo cooks. Every pot is different so you might need to add a splash more broth or let it reduce a bit longer. Trust your instincts and adjust as needed.

Make It a Meal

A simple arugula salad with balsamic dressing perfectly balances the creamy orzo. Some crusty garlic bread on the side never hurts either especially for soaking up that amazing sauce.

Keep It Fresh

Leftovers reheat beautifully just add a splash of cream or broth to bring back that silky sauce. I wouldn't recommend freezing this one though the creamy sauce and orzo are best fresh.

A bowl of creamy orzo pasta mixed with shredded chicken and spinach, topped with pieces of bacon and black pepper. Pin it
A bowl of creamy orzo pasta mixed with shredded chicken and spinach, topped with pieces of bacon and black pepper. | Recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the liquid amount important?

The orzo needs enough liquid to cook properly but not so much it's soupy. Adjust heat and liquid as needed while cooking.

Can I skip the wine?

Yes, replace with additional chicken broth. The wine adds depth but isn't essential to the recipe's success.

Why stir often?

Orzo can stick to the pot bottom easily. Regular stirring ensures even cooking and prevents sticking or burning.

Can I use raw chicken?

While the recipe calls for pre-cooked chicken, you can cook raw chicken first, remove it, then proceed with recipe.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding splash of cream or broth if needed.

Some more ideas

This one-pot wonder combines tender orzo and chicken in a creamy sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. Ready in just 30 minutes.

Marry Me Chicken Orzo

A comforting one-pot pasta combining orzo, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich cream sauce with fresh basil and parmesan.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 portions)

Ingredients

01 1 tablespoon olive oil.
02 2 tablespoons butter.
03 1 tablespoon tomato paste.
04 ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes.
05 ½ teaspoon dried oregano.
06 4 cloves garlic, minced.
07 ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes.
08 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta.
09 ½ cup dry white wine.
10 1½ cups chicken broth.
11 1 cup heavy cream.
12 2 cups cooked shredded chicken.
13 ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated.
14 Fresh basil, torn.

Instructions

Step 01

Cook oil, butter, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, garlic, pepper flakes and orzo 2-3 minutes.

Step 02

Add wine, simmer 1 minute. Add broth and cream, cook 10 minutes stirring often.

Step 03

Add chicken, parmesan and basil. Cover 3-5 minutes until thickened.

Notes

  1. Adjust liquid as needed while cooking.
  2. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  3. Can substitute wine with broth.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream, cheese).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 655
  • Total Fat: 40g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 40g
  • Protein: 30g