If you’re craving a soul-warming meal that’s equal parts comforting, creamy, and impossibly easy, look no further than this Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake. Imagine tender bites of juicy chicken nestled in a velvety, cheesy sauce with golden orzo and flecks of fresh spinach. It’s all finished with a bubbling top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This is the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like pure happiness and will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake is how it transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into something truly magical. Each element brings its own special character, building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this bake unforgettable.

Chicken (1 lb, boneless, skinless, diced): Use breasts or thighs for juicy, tender chunks that soak up all the creamy sauce.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a hint of richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Onion (1 small, diced): Gives a gentle sweetness and depth to the base of the dish.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Delivers that irresistible aromatic kick we all love in comfort food.
Orzo pasta (1 cup): This petite pasta cooks up perfectly tender, soaking up every drop of the creamy sauce.
Chicken broth (2 cups): Infuses the whole bake with savory flavor and helps everything cook evenly.
Milk (1 cup, whole or 2%): Provides that classic creamy base without being too heavy.
Heavy cream (½ cup): The secret to ultimate silkiness and lusciousness in every bite.
Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts into the bake for gooey, cheesy perfection.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds sharp, salty depth and helps brown the top.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Brightens and balances all the flavors.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Gives the dish a gentle warmth and edge.
Fresh spinach (2 cups, chopped, optional): For a vibrant pop of color and a sneaky boost of nutrition.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Scatters freshness and a lovely green finish right before serving.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your diced chicken and let it sizzle, browning the pieces for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want the chicken mostly cooked through with a little color on the edges. Scoop out the chicken and set it aside—the real magic is about to start!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, toss in the diced onion and let it soften for 2 to 3 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic, stirring just until fragrant (about 30 seconds). This step lays down a flavor-packed foundation for your Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Pour the orzo right into the pan and give it a good stir, letting it toast for a minute. This quick step adds a subtle nuttiness to the pasta and helps it hold its shape in the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the chicken broth, milk, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to keep things smooth and creamy. The aroma at this point is already irresistible!

Step 5: Combine Chicken, Spinach, and Cheeses

Return your browned chicken to the pan, along with the chopped spinach if you’re using it. Sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until everything is well combined. The mixture will look rich and cheesy—exactly what you want for a Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover your skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or foil and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the orzo is perfectly tender and the sauce is bubbling and creamy. For a golden, cheesy top, remove the cover during the last 5 minutes. Once done, let the bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set up just right.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake

Garnishes

When it comes to serving, a shower of freshly chopped parsley is the classic finishing touch for Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a twist of black pepper for a little extra flair. The fresh herbs not only brighten the dish visually but also lift all those rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This bake is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables turns dinner into a true feast. Garlic bread, warm focaccia, or even a simple baguette are fantastic for mopping up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or want to make weeknight dinner feel special, try spooning the Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake into individual ramekins or mini cocottes for a restaurant-style presentation. For a family-style vibe, bring the skillet straight from oven to table—let everyone dig in and help themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake keep beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen, making leftovers nearly as irresistible as the first night!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze this bake, let it cool completely first. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place your portion in a baking dish and cover with foil. Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, adding a splash of broth or milk to keep things creamy and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just shred or dice it and stir it in before baking. Since it’s already cooked, you can skip the initial browning step and go straight to the sauce.

Is it possible to make Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the orzo for your favorite gluten-free small pasta or rice. Be sure to check labels on your broth to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.

Can I add other vegetables?

Certainly! Mushrooms, peas, or even roasted red peppers make delicious additions. Feel free to get creative and use what you have on hand for a personal spin on Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No worries. After preparing everything on the stovetop, simply transfer the mixture to a baking dish before popping it in the oven. It’ll turn out just as creamy and delicious.

How do I know when the orzo is done baking?

The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed, but still creamy. If it looks too dry, you can stir in a splash of broth and bake a few minutes longer. The top should be gently golden if you uncover for the last few minutes.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a bubbling dish of Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake with the people you love. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and effortless enough for any night of the week. Give it a try and see just how quickly it becomes a new favorite in your home!

Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy chicken and orzo bake is a comforting and delicious one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, toasted orzo, and a rich blend of milk, cream, and cheeses come together with fresh spinach and Italian seasoning for a hearty casserole that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)

Orzo and Dairy

1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat and Cook Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until lightly browned and mostly cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, sauté the diced onion for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
Toast Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and toast it for about 1 minute to enhance its nutty flavor, stirring constantly.
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Combine Chicken and Spinach: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir in the chopped spinach if using. Mix well to evenly distribute ingredients.
Add Cheeses: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir to combine, ensuring the cheese melts throughout.
Bake Covered: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the dish is creamy and bubbly.
Brown the Top: In the last 5 minutes of baking, remove the cover to allow the top to brown to a golden color for added texture and appearance.
Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add freshness and color.

Notes

You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time—just stir it in before baking.
For extra vegetables and flavor, add mushrooms, peas, or roasted red peppers.
Using whole milk and heavy cream gives the casserole a richer texture, but you can use 2% milk and reduce cream for a lighter version.
If you prefer a crispier top, add extra mozzarella cheese before the end of baking.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain creaminess.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American