Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken orzo bake offers the best of both worlds: the rich, creamy texture of a pasta casserole and the fresh, bright flavors of vegetables and herbs. It’s a balanced, all-in-one meal that’s family-friendly, nutritious, and simple to prepare. The oven does most of the work, and the combination of juicy chicken, flavorful orzo, spinach, and tomatoes under a blanket of melted cheese is irresistible. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup spinach, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a simmer.
Mix in the spinach and cherry tomatoes.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep—just add it after sautéing the garlic.
Swap spinach for kale, arugula, or Swiss chard for a different green.
Add spice by including red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
Make it creamier by using half-and-half or adding a spoonful of cream cheese.
Vegetarian option: Leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth with more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or milk if it needs loosening.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells can work, though you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s straight from the fridge.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. Reheat in the oven from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until hot and bubbly.

4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free orzo and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.

5. What type of milk should I use?

Whole milk works best for creaminess, but you can use 2% or even unsweetened dairy-free alternatives like oat or almond milk.

6. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add the pre-cooked chicken after the garlic step and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

7. What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas can be added or substituted based on your preference.

8. Can I add breadcrumbs on top?

Yes, for a crunchy topping, sprinkle with breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter before baking.

9. Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s mild, cheesy, and creamy, making it very appealing to kids. You can reduce or omit the spinach and tomatoes if needed.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Certainly. Use a larger baking dish and increase the cooking time slightly to ensure everything cooks through evenly.

Conclusion

This Chicken Orzo Bake is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness packed with protein and vegetables. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that feels comforting and homemade. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious.

Chicken Orzo Bake

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Chicken Orzo Bake is the ultimate one-dish comfort meal, featuring tender chicken, creamy orzo, fresh vegetables, and a cheesy topping. It’s easy, hearty, and perfect for a family-friendly dinner.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Calorie

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a simmer.
Mix in the spinach and cherry tomatoes.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.