Description
A cozy, flavor-packed one-pan Tuscan chicken bake made with creamy orzo, spinach, tomatoes, and melted cheese. This comforting dinner is rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare.
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 cheese, grated or shredded
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, whole or halved
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick spray.
2. Add dry orzo, cooked chicken, chicken stock, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, spinach, tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and half of the mozzarella and parmesan to the casserole dish.
3. Stir everything together well so the orzo is evenly distributed and mostly submerged in the liquid.
4. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake uncovered for about 40 minutes until the orzo is tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes so the sauce thickens and absorbs.
7. Stir gently before serving and enjoy warm with a light salad or favorite side dish.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or artichoke hearts, or include white beans for protein.
You can substitute chicken with cooked sausage, turkey, or shrimp for a different twist.
Try different cheeses like gouda, cheddar, provolone, or fontina for varied flavor and texture.
Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for additional flavor.
To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg