Description

Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake is a delightful one-pan meal that brings the comforting flavors of Tuscany right to your dinner table. This creamy and savory dish features tender orzo pasta combined with juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich sauce, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or quick weeknight meals. With just one skillet to clean up afterward, you can savor every bite without the hassle. Packed with nutritious spinach and bursting cherry tomatoes, this recipe is not only delicious but also wholesome.

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz dry orzo
2 cups cooked chicken (diced)
3 cups unsalted chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
5 garlic cloves (minced)
2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cups baby spinach leaves (chopped)
1 pint cherry tomatoes
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, combine dry orzo with chicken stock. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until orzo is al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
Stir in heavy cream, minced garlic, cooked chicken, spinach, cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
Sprinkle grated parmesan and shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 25–30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 550
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider sautéing the garlic in olive oil before adding it to the mixture. Swap out chicken for turkey or beef depending on your preference. Experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.