This Marry Me Chicken & Orzo is quick, easy and absolutely delicious! Best of all, everything cooks together in one pot, so there’s less washing up afterwards. And we all know that’s always a bonus!
This is also a great recipe to have up your sleeve when you have guests coming over. It’s simple to prepare, doesn’t take ages in the kitchen, and feels a little more special than your average weeknight dinner. I love serving it with some greens or garlic bread on the side.
We had this last Sunday after a long walk along the prom. While I absolutely love a good roast dinner, I don’t always have the time to spend the afternoon preparing one. After a chilly walk, this was the perfect dinner to come home to.
The creamy orzo and tender chicken made such a comforting meal. It warmed us up beautifully without leaving me stuck in the kitchen for hours.
One of the things I loved most was that it freed up my afternoon. Instead of spending hours preparing a roast, I could get a few other jobs done around the house. I topped up our freezer lunchbox stash and managed to get a quick wash on too.
Life with a family is all about finding what works for you. Some Sundays call for a roast dinner, while others call for something quick and comforting like this.
And honestly, I think that’s the beauty of recipes like this. You can have a delicious homemade dinner on the table without spending your whole day preparing it.
So, if you’re looking for an easy one-pot dinner that works just as well for a busy family night as it does for feeding guests, give this Marry Me Chicken & Orzo a try.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken & Orzo
- One-pot wonder – Everything cooks together in one pot, which means less washing up afterwards.
- Quick and easy – This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Full of flavour – Creamy orzo, tender chicken and a deliciously rich sauce make every bite so comforting.
- Great for guests – It feels special enough for entertaining but takes very little effort to prepare.
- Family-friendly – It’s a comforting meal that the whole family can enjoy.
- Perfect after a busy day – Whether you’ve been working or enjoying a long walk, this is an easy dinner to come home to.
- Easy to serve – Add some greens or garlic bread on the side for a simple but delicious meal.
- Less time in the kitchen – One-pot recipes give you more time to spend with your family or get other things done.
Sometimes you don’t need a big roast or an elaborate dinner. You just need a simple recipe that works for your family and gives you a little more time back in your day. I hope you love this one as much as we do! Make sure you tag @littleloucooks if you make this recipe, I love seeing all your creations.
Marry Me Chicken & Orzo
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 chicken breast diced,
- 1 onion finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 tbsp red pesto
- 250 g orzo pasta
- 700 ml hot chicken stock
- 100 g cream cheese
- 50 g Parmesan finely grated
- 2 large handfuls baby spinach
- Fresh basil to serve (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or shallow casserole dish over a medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden.
- Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, then stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the mixed herbs, smoked paprika and red pesto.
- Add the orzo and stir well to coat in the flavours.
- Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring regularly, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir through the cream cheese and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Fold through the spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, until wilted.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper if needed.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and a little extra Parmesan before serving.
- Tips: Add mushrooms or peas for an extra vegetable boost.If the orzo thickens too much, stir in a splash of hot stock or milk.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of stock or milk to loosen the sauce.
