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Simple Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 53 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Simple Chicken Orzo Bake is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal combining tender seared chicken breasts, creamy orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and a cheesy Parmesan topping baked to perfection. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce all baked to golden goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Pasta

  • 1.5 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta

Liquids

  • 2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic
  • 1 medium Diced Onion
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach

Cheese & Seasoning

  • 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • To taste Black Pepper
  • Salt (to taste)

Cooking Fat

  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the orzo and chicken mixture evenly.
  2. Sauté Onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent, which releases their sweetness and softens them.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the base flavor of the dish.
  4. Sear Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear each side for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, locking in flavor.
  5. Toast Orzo: Remove the chicken breasts and set aside. In the same skillet, add the orzo pasta to toast lightly for about one minute, which adds a subtle nutty flavor.
  6. Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to cook the orzo partially and develop the creamy sauce.
  7. Prepare Chicken & Spinach: Chop the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken pieces and fresh spinach into the skillet.
  8. Combine & Cook: Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken heats through.
  9. Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and spread the chicken and orzo mixture evenly inside.
  10. Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top to form a deliciously cheesy crust.
  11. Cover & Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to meld flavors and cook thoroughly.
  12. Brown Cheese: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is browned and bubbly.
  13. Rest: Allow the bake to sit for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven; this helps it set and makes serving easier.
  14. Garnish & Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil, then serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are patted dry before searing to get a nice golden crust.
  • You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard for variation.
  • Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
  • Let the bake rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly for better texture.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.

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Find it online: https://familyfriendlydishes.com/simple-chicken-orzo-bake-recipe/