Description
Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake is a delightful, one-pan meal that combines tender orzo pasta with savory chicken, creamy cheese, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this comforting casserole is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. With its rich blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and vibrant spinach and tomatoes, this dish warms the heart and satisfies hunger. Baked to perfection with gooey mozzarella on top, every bite offers a cozy dining experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz dry orzo
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced)
- 3 cups unsalted chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves (roughly chopped)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, bring water to a boil and cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain if needed.
- Lower heat in the skillet and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in chicken stock and heavy cream, mixing until combined. Add parmesan cheese until melted.
- Incorporate cooked chicken, spinach, cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and lemon juice into the sauce mixture. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and transfer skillet to the oven. Bake for around 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 80mg