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Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.2 from 10 reviews

This Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake is a comforting and hearty one-pan casserole featuring tender orzo pasta, succulent cooked chicken, fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a cheesy blend of mozzarella and parmesan. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy and adaptable dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 16 oz. dry orzo
  • 2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or sautéed diced chicken)
  • 3 cups unsalted chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2/3 cup parmesan, grated or shredded
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella, shredded
  • 3 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped (or 8 oz box chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, whole or halved
  • 1/2 lemon, juice of
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if not using fresh garlic

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the sides of a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In the prepared casserole dish, add the dry orzo, cooked chicken, chicken stock, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and half of both the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients and create a flat, even layer.
  3. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture for a rich, cheesy crust once baked.
  4. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the cheese on top is melting and slightly golden.
  5. Rest the Bake: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the pan juices to absorb and the casserole to set, preventing it from being too liquidy.
  6. Serve: Give the casserole a good stir with a large serving spoon to combine any settled juices, then serve hot. Pair with a fresh chopped salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • If fresh garlic is unavailable, substitute with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for flavor.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or sauté diced chicken breasts for a fresher option.
  • For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but note texture and richness will differ.
  • Allowing the casserole to rest after baking is crucial to prevent a watery dish.
  • Feel free to customize with additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/orzo-tuscan-chicken-bake-recipe/