Marry Me Chicken Sausage Orzo Bake
One pan weeknight dinners will always be my favorite type of recipe. This Marry Me Chicken Sausage Orzo Bake ranks right up at the top! It was such a hit, even the picky eaters cleaned their plates!
Marry Me Chicken Sausage Orzo is a play on the traditional Marry Me Chicken. It has the components you love- sundried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, cream, spinach, and garlic and also includes herbed chicken sausage (my favorite weeknight shortcut!) and I’ve added artichoke hearts. Because, why not!?
Creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and made in one pan, this Marry Me Chicken Sausage Orzo Bake is the easy weeknight dinner your family will request again and again. I love dish because the creamy orzo pasta bakes right alongside savory garlic and herb chicken sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Inspired by the popular “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, this comforting casserole delivers all those irresistible flavors with minimal prep and easy cleanup.
Plus it’s ready in about 30 minutes!
Love a one pan bake? You’ll love this Chicken Sausage Orzo Bake with Boursin Cheese and Asparagus, Easy One Pan Steak Bites with Potatoes and Green Beans, and Chicken Fajita Casserole.
If you’re looking for a simple family-friendly dinner that feels a little special without requiring hours in the kitchen, this creamy orzo bake is the perfect solution.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Orzo Bake
- One-pan meal with easy cleanup
- No need to boil the pasta first
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- Packed with protein and vegetables
- Creamy, comforting, and full of flavor
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
What Is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy chicken dish made famous for its rich sauce featuring Parmesan cheese, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Legend says it’s so delicious that it could inspire a marriage proposal! This version transforms those beloved flavors into an easy baked orzo casserole featuring flavorful chicken sausage and artichokes.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- Orzo pasta
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Chicken sausage
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
- Artichoke hearts
- Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Baby spinach
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh lemon juice
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Sausage Orzo Bake
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Add the Orzo
Pour the dry orzo directly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Add the Liquid
Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the pasta. Press the orzo down so it’s submerged in the liquid.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Top with sliced chicken sausage, sun-dried tomatoes and some of the flavorful oil from the jar, chopped artichokes, garlic, seasonings, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, checking around the 30-minute mark. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
Step 6: Stir and Finish
Remove the foil and stir everything together until creamy and well combined. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and adjust seasonings to taste.
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Tips for Success
- Use a tightly covered baking dish to prevent moisture from escaping.
- Check the casserole after 30 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.
- If the mixture seems dry, stir in a splash of chicken broth before serving.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- For extra creaminess, add an additional splash of cream before serving.
Variations
Use Rotisserie Chicken
Replace the chicken sausage with shredded rotisserie chicken for a more traditional Marry Me Chicken flavor.
Make It Spicier
Add extra crushed red pepper flakes for additional heat.
Add More Vegetables
Mushrooms, roasted red peppers, zucchini, or kale make delicious additions.
Swap the Protein
Try turkey sausage, Italian sausage, or cooked chicken breast.
Add More Cheese
Top with mozzarella cheese during the last few minutes of baking for an extra cheesy finish.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular chicken instead of chicken sausage?
Yes! Cooked shredded chicken, diced chicken breast, or rotisserie chicken all work well in this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole several hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
What does orzo taste like?
Orzo is a small pasta shaped like rice. It has a mild flavor and becomes creamy and tender when cooked, making it perfect for casseroles and baked pasta dishes.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the casserole.
Why is my orzo still firm?
Different brands of orzo may require slightly different cooking times. Add a splash of broth, cover, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes if needed.
What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Orzo Bake
This hearty casserole pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli or Asparagus
- Green beans
- Simple garden salad
More One Pan Weeknight Wonders
- Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- One Skillet Kielbasa, Gnocchi, and Broccoli
- Chicken Fajita Pasta Casserole
- Chicken Piccata with Orzo
- Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
- One Pot Shrimp Pasta
- Sheet Pan Chimichurri Kebabs
- Sheet Pan Ranch Pork Chops
- Sheet Pan Chicken Teriyaki
- Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin
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Weeknight Saver
This Marry Me Chicken Sausage Orzo Bake combines everything we love about comfort food into one easy dinner recipe. Creamy orzo, savory chicken sausage, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, tender artichokes, and Parmesan cheese come together in a flavorful meal that’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Best of all, it all bakes in one dish for easy cleanup!
Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this creamy baked orzo recipe is guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Marry Me Chicken Sausage Orzo Bake
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounces orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 11 ounces chicken sausage sliced (any variety, I'm using garlic and herbs)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes with oil sliced
- 14 ounce can artichoke hearts drained and chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- Juice of ½ lemon
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the dry orzo directly into the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the pasta. Press the orzo down so it’s submerged in the liquid.
- Top with sliced chicken sausage, sun-dried tomatoes and some of the flavorful oil from the jar (1-2 tablespoons), chopped artichokes, garlic, seasonings, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.Tip: The spinach bakes down quite a bit. If you prefer, stir the spinach in at the end after baking.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, checking around the 30-minute mark. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
- Remove the foil and stir everything together until creamy and well combined. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, extra Parmesan cheese and adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutrition
Notes
- Tightly cover your baking dish to prevent moisture from escaping, this ensure the orzo cooks completely.
- Check the casserole after 30 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.
- If the mixture seems dry, stir in a splash of chicken broth before serving.
- For extra creaminess, add an additional splash of cream before serving.
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