Cheesy Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake – Comfort in Every Bite

Imagine diving into a warm, cheesy Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake that envelops you in its comforting embrace. The aroma of garlic mingles with the earthy scent of herbs, promising a delightful experience that dances on your taste buds. chicken and rice bake This dish combines tender chicken, creamy orzo, and vibrant veggies, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your mouth water. homemade bread pairing one pot comfort dish.

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Now, picture this: It’s a chilly evening, and your friends are gathered around the table. You bring out this culinary masterpiece, and suddenly everyone becomes a food critic, praising how it tastes like a cozy hug on a plate. That’s the magic of Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake—perfect for family dinners or impressing guests at a gathering. For more inspiration, check out this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup recipe.

I still remember the first time I made this dish—my family devoured it within minutes and begged for seconds.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully; it’s the star of our dish.

• Fresh Spinach: Choose vibrant green spinach for added nutrients and color; it wilts down wonderfully when cooked.

• Cherry Tomatoes: These juicy gems add sweetness and acidity; be sure they’re ripe for maximum flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring an aromatic punch; always opt for fresh over pre-minced for best results.

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives our bake its Tuscan flair; feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This melty goodness creates that cheesy layer we all crave; don’t hold back!

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while keeping the dish moist.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle helps enhance flavors and keeps everything from sticking together; plus, it’s heart-healthy!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Ingredients: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Sauté Chicken Until Golden Brown: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté seasoned chicken breasts until golden brown—about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.

Add Garlic and Spinach to Sauté Pan: Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add minced garlic and fresh spinach. Cook until fragrant and spinach wilts—about 2 minutes should do it.

Mix Orzo with Broth and Veggies: In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo pasta with cherry tomatoes, sautéed spinach mixture, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. paleo-friendly option Stir well to combine all those delicious flavors.

Add Chicken Back Into the Dish : Slice up your golden chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and fold them gently into the orzo mixture. Pour everything into your prepared baking dish evenly.

Bake Until Perfectly Melty : Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

With each step infused with joy and anticipation, you’ll find yourself diving into this dish before you know it! Enjoy every cheesy bite of your Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake as laughter fills the air around you.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then cook the orzo while preparing the creamy sauce together for a harmonious blend of textures. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have; spinach, zucchini, or even artichokes work beautifully in this dish!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth.

The first time I made this dish, my family devoured it so quickly that I barely had time to take a picture! Their compliments filled my heart with joy and made all the effort worthwhile.

FAQ

What can I substitute for orzo?

You can use rice or quinoa as a gluten-free alternative for orzo in this recipe.

How long does it take to bake?

This Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake typically takes about 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare everything and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake for easy meal prep.

Print

Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake

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• Author: recipesnew
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake, a creamy, cheesy dish that brings warmth to any chilly evening. This delightful recipe combines tender chicken, al dente orzo pasta, fresh spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes, all topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this one-pan wonder is easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite veggies. Gather around the table and enjoy every mouthwatering bite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté seasoned chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and spinach; cook until fragrant and spinach wilts (about 2 minutes).
4. Mix cooked orzo with cherry tomatoes, spinach mixture, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth in a large bowl.
5. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and fold into the orzo mixture. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute other vegetables like zucchini or artichokes based on availability. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently.