If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug in dinner form, this Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo) Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavors that simply sing together—the kind of meal that makes you want to invite someone special over. The tender chicken, garlicky sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant herbs come together in a creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender little orzo pasta.

What I love most about this Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo) Recipe is how effortlessly it comes together on a busy weeknight, yet it looks and tastes like you spent hours cooking. Whether you’re preparing a cozy night in or aiming to impress without stress, this recipe hits the sweet spot every time. Plus, it’s flexible enough to tweak to your taste buds, which I’ll share throughout!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients create a delightfully balanced dish, with the herbs and sun-dried tomatoes adding vibrant bursts of flavor to the creamy sauce. A quick tip: fresh garlic and good-quality chicken stock really elevate the dish, so pick the best you can find!

Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor—it starts the dish with a lovely, light fruitiness.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs here for their juiciness and flavor, but you can swap with chicken breast if preferred.
Salt: Season at stages to build layers of flavor without overdoing it.
Freshly minced garlic: Fresh always beats pre-minced; it gives the sauce a wonderful punch.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: These add a rich, slightly tangy depth—be sure to chop them roughly for even distribution.
Dried oregano: A classic herb in Mediterranean dishes that complements chicken beautifully.
Dried thyme: Adds subtle earthiness to the sauce.
Sweet paprika: Brings warmth and a hint of smokiness without heat.
Risoni (orzo): This tiny pasta cooks quickly and has a lovely bite that holds up well in creamy dishes.
Chicken stock: Choose low sodium so you can better control the seasoning.
Dijon mustard: Just a little adds a surprising depth and tang to the cream sauce.
Thick (double/heavy) cream: Makes the sauce rich and velvety—don’t skimp here!
Fresh baby spinach: Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and a healthy touch.
Grated parmesan: Adds savory sharpness and helps thicken the sauce as it melts.
Cracked black pepper: Freshly ground for a bit of spice and freshness.

Variations

This Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo) Recipe is a brilliant base for customization. I love to play around with what I have on hand—it keeps things interesting and lets you tailor the flavors to your liking.

Vegetarian variation: Swap the chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas, which soak up the sauce beautifully. I once tried it with roasted cauliflower, and it was a delicious twist!
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic if you like a little heat. It gives this creamy dish a lively kick.
Herb swaps: Try fresh basil or rosemary if you want a different herbal profile—fresh herbs can brighten things up wonderfully.
Lighter version: Use half cream and half milk or substitute cream with Greek yogurt added off the heat to maintain creaminess with fewer calories.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo) Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add your bite-sized chicken thighs seasoned lightly with salt. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until you see a golden crust forming—this step locks in flavor and juiciness. Then flip and cook for another 3 minutes until cooked through. I like to remove the chicken and set it aside, so it doesn’t overcook while preparing the sauce.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pan, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the garlic is soft but not burnt (watch carefully!). This step is where the magic begins—the infused oil picks up all those lovely flavors.

Step 3: Toast the Risoni and Add Seasonings

Throw in the risoni pasta and toast it in the pan for a couple of minutes, stirring often. Toasting the pasta first helps develop a nutty aroma that takes the dish up a notch. Then sprinkle in your dried oregano, thyme, paprika, and a touch more salt. Stir well to evenly coat everything with herbs and spices.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the chicken stock and stir in the dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer, cover, and let the risoni cook for about 10-12 minutes until tender and most of the liquid has absorbed. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking and to check the doneness.

Step 5: Stir in Cream, Chicken, and Spinach

Reduce heat to low and pour in the thick cream, stirring to combine. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan along with fresh baby spinach, letting the greens wilt down gently. Finish by stirring in the grated parmesan, which thickens the sauce and adds a lovely savory bite. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo) Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo) Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves if I have them. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon adds a brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly. A scattering of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a lovely finish if you want some subtle heat.

Side Dishes

This creamy dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. I sometimes serve it with a side of crusty garlic bread to mop up all that luscious sauce—it’s pure comfort food bliss.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fancy dinner, I love serving this in shallow white bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs on top. Maybe add a few cherry tomatoes roasted with a bit of balsamic glaze alongside for color and sweetness. It makes the dish feel like a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let my leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making reheated portions just as tasty as the first time.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times with good results. Pack it tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When thawed and reheated slowly, the cream sauce remains creamy, though sometimes the texture of the spinach changes slightly—still delicious, but you might want to add fresh spinach when reheating.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat Marry Me Chicken Risoni is gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Microwave works in a pinch, but go slow and stir intermittently to avoid curdling the cream.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in the Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo) Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, though it can dry out more easily, so be careful not to overcook it. To keep it juicy, sear it quickly and avoid cooking it too long before adding the sauce.
What can I substitute for risoni (orzo) if I can’t find it?

Couscous, small pasta like acini di pepe, or even rice can work. Keep in mind the cooking times will vary, so adjust accordingly. Risoni is great because it cooks quickly and holds up well to the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo) Recipe. Just pack it well and thaw slowly before reheating gently on the stove. Adding a bit of fresh spinach when reheating can refresh the dish.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Try swapping the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative. Keep in mind the flavors will change slightly, but it still makes a comforting dish.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and chop your other ingredients ahead, but I recommend cooking the pasta just before serving so it maintains the best texture. Alternatively, cook the risoni slightly underdone and finish cooking it in the sauce when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Risoni (Orzo) Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s that rare dish that feels both indulgent and effortlessly simple. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how a few quality ingredients and a bit of love can turn weeknight dinner into something memorable. Give it a go yourself—I promise it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to and sharing with people you care about.