Description
This creamy chicken and orzo bake is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal combining tender chicken, tender orzo pasta, and a rich cheesy sauce, baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for an easy yet impressive dinner that requires minimal prep and results in a hearty, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids and Seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the final dish.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Cook Orzo: Add the orzo pasta to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to toast the pasta slightly. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
- Combine Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Bake the Mixture: Transfer the chicken and orzo mixture to a greased baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- For a lighter dish, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Use fresh parsley or basil for garnish to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the orzo before baking, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time up to the baking step and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it appears dry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
