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Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.2 from 64 reviews

Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake is a comforting and creamy casserole that features tender orzo pasta combined with savory cooked chicken, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes. This baked dish is enriched with a velvety heavy cream and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, infused with garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of lemon juice for brightness. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it offers a delightful balance of creamy, cheesy, and fresh flavors with a gorgeous golden crust on top.

Ingredients

Scale

Orzo and Chicken

  • 16 oz. dry orzo
  • 2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or sautéed diced chicken)

Liquids and Dairy

  • 3 cups chicken stock (unsalted)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2/3 cup parmesan (grated or shredded)
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella (shredded)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves (roughly chopped, or 8 oz box chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (whole or sliced in half)
  • 1/2 lemon (juice of)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (if not using fresh garlic)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven and prepare the casserole dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. Combine the ingredients in the casserole dish: In the prepared casserole dish, add the dry orzo, cooked chicken, chicken stock, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, spinach, cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and half of the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute ingredients and ensure the orzo is fully submerged in the liquid.
  3. Top with remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top of the casserole to create a golden, cheesy crust when baked.
  4. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. The orzo should be tender, and the top bubbly and golden. If the casserole looks too liquidy after baking, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes to absorb the liquid and set.
  5. Serve and enjoy: After resting, stir the casserole gently with a large spoon to combine. Serve hot, paired with a fresh salad or your preferred side dish for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, artichoke hearts, or white beans for protein.
  • Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with cooked sausage, turkey, or shrimp for variation.
  • Cheese Options: Try gouda or cheddar for a sharper flavor, or provolone or fontina for a creamier texture instead of mozzarella.
  • Add More Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes if desired. Adjust cooking time slightly to accommodate moisture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta in place of orzo for a gluten-free version.

Keywords: Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake, creamy chicken casserole, Italian orzo bake, cheesy chicken pasta casserole, spinach and tomato casserole

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/orzo-tuscan-chicken-bake-recipe/