Marry Me Orzo – Creamy, Dreamy Comfort in a Bowl

They say food is the way to the heart—and this Marry Me Orzo might just be the dish that proves it. Imagine tender orzo pasta simmered in a rich, velvety sauce of garlic, cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s decadent yet comforting, and it comes together in under 30 minutes. One bite of this creamy, savory goodness and you’ll understand why it’s called Marry Me Orzo.

This recipe takes inspiration from the viral Marry Me Chicken—that creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato dish known for making people swoon—but gives it a cozy pasta twist. Orzo, the rice-shaped pasta that cooks to silky perfection, soaks up every drop of flavor from the sauce. The end result is luscious, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.

Whether you’re cooking for someone special or simply treating yourself to something luxurious on a weeknight, this dish delivers that “special occasion” taste without any fuss. Serve it with a simple salad and garlic bread, and prepare for applause (or a proposal).

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
• 1 cup orzo pasta (uncooked)
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup cooked diced chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken
• ½ cup spinach for color and extra nutrients

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Garlic & Tomatoes:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook another minute.
2. Toast the Orzo:
   Add the uncooked orzo to the pan and stir for 1–2 minutes until it’s lightly toasted and coated in the oil and garlic mixture.
3. Add Broth & Simmer:
   Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Stir in the Cream & Cheese:
   Lower the heat and add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and silky.
5. Finish with Butter & Basil:
   Stir in the butter for a glossy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
6. Optional Chicken Version:
   Stir in cooked diced chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken at the end to make it a full meal.
7. Serve:
   Spoon into bowls, top with extra Parmesan and a few basil leaves, and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Tips & Tricks

• Toast your orzo first: It deepens the flavor and gives a subtle nutty note.
• Stir frequently: Orzo loves to stick—keep it moving for a creamy, risotto-like texture.
• Make it lighter: Swap half the cream for milk or use coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
• Want it spicier? Add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Vegan version: Use vegetable broth, plant-based cream, and vegan Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up the sauce.
• Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
• Finish with a glass of chilled white wine—it’s perfect for date night or self-care night.

Marry Me Orzo

A creamy, dreamy orzo dish with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and garlic—ready in 30 minutes and perfect for any cozy dinner or date night.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
• 1 cup orzo pasta uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• 0.5 tsp salt to taste
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp butter

Optional Add-ins

• 1 cup cooked chicken diced or shredded
• 0.5 cup spinach optional

For Garnish

• fresh basil or parsley chopped

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Knife and cutting board

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant.
2. Add orzo and toast 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Pour in broth and simmer 10 minutes, stirring until orzo is tender.
4. Add cream, Parmesan, and seasonings; stir until creamy.
5. Stir in butter and garnish with basil or parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

A luscious, one-pan creamy orzo recipe inspired by ‘Marry Me Chicken’—rich, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen up the sauce and warm gently on the stove.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy texture may change after thawing.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just cook it slightly underdone and reheat gently with a splash of broth before serving.

Can I use another pasta?
Absolutely! Small shapes like ditalini, elbows, or mini shells work beautifully too.

How do I make it vegetarian?
Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the meat add-ins.

The Love Story Behind “Marry Me Orzo”

The “Marry Me” trend started with a chicken dish so rich and delicious that it supposedly made people propose after one bite. This orzo version carries that same spirit—comforting, cozy, and unforgettable. The sauce clings lovingly to each little grain of pasta, making every bite creamy and romantic. If any dish could win someone’s heart, this is the one.