Chicken & Poultry Pasta & Noodles

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo

A quick one-pot wonder with tender chicken, orzo pasta, sun-blushed tomatoes, and a creamy sauce infused with garlic, thyme, and chilli.

By Ricky Robinson Updated February 14, 2026

This is the kind of recipe that lives up to its name. Everything cooks together in one pan, which means less washing up and more time to sit down and enjoy the meal. The orzo absorbs the chicken stock as it simmers, turning tender and plump while picking up all those flavours from the garlic, thyme, and sun-blushed tomatoes.

Toasting the orzo for a minute or two before adding the stock gives it a subtle nutty flavour that adds depth to the finished dish.

The chicken gets a good sear first to lock in the juices, then everything else goes into the pan. You don't need to precook the orzo separately, which is what makes this so straightforward. Once the stock goes in, you just cover the pan and let it do its work. The result is creamy, comforting, and surprisingly elegant for something that takes half an hour from start to finish.

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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo

What makes this dish stand out is the balance of flavours.

The sun-blushed tomatoes bring a sweet tanginess that cuts through the richness of the cream, while the chilli flakes add a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish. The Parmesan and fresh basil at the end tie everything together, giving it that classic Italian feel.

Whether you’re looking for a low-effort weeknight win or a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner for two, this dish is a total showstopper.

This recipe serves four generously, but if you’re cooking for a date night, simply halve the ingredients for a perfect intimate meal. Any leftovers will keep beautifully in the fridge for a couple of days—just remember to add a splash of stock or water when reheating to loosen the sauce, as the orzo naturally absorbs the liquid as it sits.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Chicken Orzo Sun-dried tomatoes
Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
Calories 520 cal
Protein 32g

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Knife
  • Grater
  • Large Deep Pan with Lid
  • Chopping Board
  • Measuring Jug

Instructions

  1. 1
    Heat the butter and olive oil in a large, deep pan with a lid over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
  2. 2
    Add the sun-blushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried thyme and chilli flakes. Stir well to coat the chicken and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. 3
    Add the orzo to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the pasta.
  4. 4
    Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir well, bring to a simmer and reduce the heat to low.
  5. 5
    Cover with the lid and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  6. 6
    Stir in the double cream and cook for another 2-3 minutes until creamy and heated through.
  7. 7
    Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.
Ricky Robinson - Recipe Author
Ricky Robinson

Home cook sharing delicious recipes with a focus on flavour and simplicity.

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Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the hob with a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce, as the orzo will absorb liquid as it sits.

Serving Suggestions

Serve straight from the pan with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil on top. A simple green salad or garlic bread on the side works well to round out the meal.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Orzo

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