If you love an easy dinner that feels comforting and homemade without spending forever in the kitchen, you need to try this Dump & Bake Marry Me Chicken Orzo.
Creamy orzo, tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan and spinach all come together in one baking dish for the coziest weeknight dinner.
And the best part? There’s no need to cook the orzo separately. Everything cooks right in the dish, making this one of those recipes you’ll want to save for the nights when you have no idea what to make.
This is exactly what my Easy Dinner Series is all about: simple ingredients, minimal prep and meals the whole family can enjoy. 🤍
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Orzo
There’s so much to love about this one. It’s creamy and comforting without requiring a complicated sauce, everything is made in one dish, and the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan give it SO much flavour.
It also makes a generous amount, so it’s perfect for a family dinner — and the leftovers are pretty delicious too!
Dump & Bake Marry Me Chicken Orzo Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Rest Time: 5–10 minutes
Servings: Approximately 6
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon oil from the sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups dry, uncooked orzo
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup fresh spinach
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add the chicken directly to the baking dish along with the sun-dried tomato oil, tomato paste, garlic powder, thyme, smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of the salt and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated, then spread it into an even layer.
Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
Next, sprinkle the uncooked orzo evenly over the top. Season with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and pour the chicken broth evenly over everything.
Do not stir.
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is almost tender.
Carefully remove the foil. Add the heavy cream, fresh spinach and ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until creamy and well combined.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Parmesan over the top.
Return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, until the orzo is tender and the Parmesan is melted.
Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This gives the orzo time to absorb some of that creamy sauce and thicken up.
Top with a little extra Parmesan if you’d like, and enjoy!
A Few Tips for the Best Creamy Orzo
Make sure your baking dish is tightly covered with foil during the first bake. The steam helps cook the orzo, so you don’t want too much of it escaping.
I also recommend using freshly grated Parmesan if you can. It melts beautifully into the cream and broth and helps create that rich, creamy texture.
And don’t skip the resting time! The dish may look a little saucier when it first comes out of the oven, but the orzo continues absorbing the liquid as it sits.
If your orzo still seems a little firm after 30 minutes, simply give it a few extra minutes in the oven.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead?
Yes! You can use either boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts. Just cut the chicken into similar-sized bite-size pieces so it cooks evenly.
Whatever you use, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Can I Make This Without Spinach?
Absolutely. I love adding a cup of fresh spinach because it wilts right into the creamy orzo, but you can leave it out if your family isn’t a fan.
You could also experiment with other vegetables, but keep in mind that vegetables with a high water content may change the consistency of the finished dish.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
The orzo will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits, so when reheating, try adding a small splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back some of that creamy texture.
The Perfect Easy Weeknight Dinner
This Dump & Bake Marry Me Chicken Orzo is one of those dinners that looks and tastes impressive but is actually incredibly simple to make.
Tender chicken + creamy Parmesan orzo + sun-dried tomatoes + spinach — all baked together in one dish. What’s not to love?
If you make it, I’d love to hear what you think! And make sure you’re following @blushingpinkpetals_ on Instagram for more of my easy dinner recipes. 🤍
Save this recipe for the next time you need an easy, cozy family dinner!
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