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Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe

“Creamy chicken pasta casserole with cherry tomatoes in a white casserole dish”
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This Tuscan-style chicken and orzo casserole bake turns out creamy, cheesy, and savory and it’s surprisingly simple to make. It’s perfect for meal prep, and leftovers only get better the next day. Packed with protein and veggies, every bite is satisfying. This is one of those easy meals you’ll want again and again.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, ¾-inch pieces

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 12 oz (340 g) dry orzo

  • 3½ cups (830 ml) low-sodium chicken broth, plus up to ½ cup hot for finishing

  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half

  • 1 tsp kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ cup (80 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)

  • 1 cup (30 g) baby spinach (optional)

  • 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella or provolone

  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan

  • Zest ½ lemon + 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • Parsley, chopped (garnish)

Instructions

 

  1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch metal pan.

  2. Sauté onion in oil 3–4 min; add garlic 30 sec.

  3. Add chicken, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika; cook 4–5 min to lightly brown.

  4. Stir in orzo; toast 60–90 sec.

  5. Add broth, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach; bring to a gentle simmer.

  6. Transfer to pan; top with mozzarella. Cover tightly with foil; bake 25 min.

  7. Uncover; bake 10–12 min until orzo is al dente and sauce is mostly absorbed. Add Parmesan; broil 1–2 min.

  8. Rest 5–10 min. Stir; splash in hot broth as needed (up to ½ cup). Finish with lemon zest/juice and parsley; taste and season.

Notes

  • Lighter swap: Use evaporated milk or half-and-half; add ¼ cup extra mozzarella to keep body.
  • Gluten-free: Choose certified GF orzo/risoni and check box directions; add 2–4 minutes to bake if needed.
  • Dairy-free: Replace cream with unsweetened oat “creamer” + 1 tsp nutritional yeast; skip cheese or use DF shreds.

Nutrition

Keywords: "chicken orzo bake, creamy chicken orzo, baked chicken orzo, one-pan chicken dinner, orzo casserole", "diet": "High-Protein",

Find it online: https://www.greatlyrecipes.com/chicken-orzo-bake/