Chicken Orzo Bake with Spinach & Tomatoes

Description

This Chicken Orzo Bake with Spinach & Tomatoes is a cozy, one-pan dinner packed with tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, juicy tomatoes, and fresh spinach baked in a flavorful cheesy sauce. It’s comforting, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. The orzo absorbs all the savory flavors while baking, creating a rich and satisfying dish with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
4. Add the spinach and stir until wilted.
5. Mix in the uncooked orzo, cooked chicken, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
6. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the orzo is tender.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips

• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Swap spinach with kale for a heartier texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
• Sun-dried tomatoes add extra flavor depth.

Q/A

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the bake ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q2: Can I freeze Chicken Orzo Bake?

Yes, it freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Q3: What can I serve with this dish?

A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly.

Q4: Can I use another pasta instead of orzo?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work well too.

Q5: How do I keep the orzo from drying out?

Make sure there’s enough broth before baking and keep it covered for most of the cooking time.