Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo is creamy and flavorful, made with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. It’s an easy slow cooker meal that feels restaurant-quality, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, ready in about 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not in oil), chopped
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese

How To Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo

  1. Season and layer chicken: Place cubed chicken in the slow cooker and season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add aromatics and tomatoes: Scatter garlic, onion, and sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
  3. Add broth and cook: Pour chicken broth over the mixture. Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or HIGH for 1–1.5 hours.
  4. Stir in cream and orzo: When chicken is nearly done, add heavy cream and orzo. Cook on LOW for 20–30 minutes, until orzo is tender.
  5. Finish with spinach and Parmesan: Stir in spinach and Parmesan cheese until spinach wilts and cheese melts into the sauce. Adjust seasonings and serve hot.
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Recipe Tips

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
    Yes—boneless thighs stay juicier and add extra flavor to the dish.
  • When should I add the orzo?
    Add it near the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Can I use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil?
    Yes—just drain them well to avoid excess oil in the dish.
  • How do I make this lighter?
    Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or light cream for a less rich version.
  • How do I reheat leftovers?
    Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce while reheating.

What To Serve With Marry Me Chicken Orzo

This creamy pasta pairs well with fresh and light sides like:

  • Garlic bread or crusty baguette
  • A simple green salad with balsamic dressing
  • Roasted asparagus or broccoli
  • Caprese salad with tomatoes and basil

How To Store Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooled chicken and orzo in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Marry Me Chicken Orzo Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 594
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Fat: 31g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
  • Sodium: 532mg
  • Sugar: 14g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?
The creamy sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce is so good, it’s said to inspire marriage proposals!

Can I make this without orzo?
Yes—serve the creamy chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just ensure your slow cooker is large enough and add extra broth if needed.

How do I make it spicier?
Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Try More Recipes:

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Recipe by Robert Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

3

hours 

30

minutes
Calories

594

kcal

Creamy chicken slow-cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, spinach, and orzo pasta—an easy, romantic dinner perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not in oil), chopped

  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

  • 1 cup orzo pasta

  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions

  • Place chicken in slow cooker and season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  • Add garlic, onion, and sun-dried tomatoes; pour chicken broth over top.
  • Cover and cook on LOW 2–3 hours or HIGH 1–1.5 hours.
  • Stir in heavy cream and orzo; cook on LOW 20–30 minutes until orzo is tender.
  • Mix in spinach and Parmesan until combined; serve hot.