Name: Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 16 oz. dry orzo; 2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or sautéed diced chicken); 3 cups chicken stock (unsalted); 1 cup heavy cream; 2/3 cup parmesan cheese (grated or shredded); 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded); 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); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste); 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (if not using fresh garlic)

Ingredients

16 oz. dry orzo

2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or sautéed diced chicken)

3 cups chicken stock (unsalted)

1 cup heavy cream

5 garlic cloves, minced

2/3 cup parmesan (grated or shredded)

1.5 cups mozzarella (shredded)

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 halved)

Juice of 1/2 lemon

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.

Step 2: In the casserole dish, combine the dry orzo, cooked chicken, chicken stock, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, spinach, tomatoes, lemon juice, and half of the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Mix thoroughly, making sure the orzo is submerged in the liquid.

Step 3: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly on top of the casserole to create a cheesy crust.

Step 4: Bake uncovered for 40 minutes until the orzo is tender and the top is bubbly and golden. If it looks too liquidy after baking, let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb the excess moisture and set.

Step 5: Stir the casserole gently before serving. Enjoy it hot alongside a light salad or your favorite side dish.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or sauté diced chicken breast for a fresher taste.

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the dish will be less creamy.

If you don’t have fresh garlic, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder works as a subtle substitute.

Make sure to drain frozen spinach well to avoid watery casserole.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mildly spicy kick.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Orzo works best because it cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce nicely. However, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells, but cooking times may vary.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked frozen chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked frozen chicken can be used. Just make sure it is fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before adding it to the casserole to avoid extra liquid.