Description
This Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Combining sautéing and baking, this recipe delivers a rich and cheesy casserole perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Veggies
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Staples and Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Cook the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Allow to cook for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Season: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the onion and garlic.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thigh meat for a juicier result.
- If desired, swap mozzarella for another melting cheese such as fontina or gouda.
- If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Make sure the orzo is fully cooked before baking to avoid a hard texture in the casserole.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
