Description
Indulge in a comforting and creamy chicken and orzo bake that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. This one-pan pasta dish features tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a creamy blend of cheeses baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown for 4–5 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic; cook until softened. Stir in orzo and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in broth, cream, thyme, and parsley; simmer, then cover and cook for 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in cheeses, spinach, and peas; mix well. Top with breadcrumb mixture if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- This dish reheats well and makes delicious leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
