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Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 38 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4.4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A comforting and creamy chicken and orzo bake featuring tender chicken breasts, orzo pasta simmered in chicken broth, and a luscious blend of heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make dish is baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a flavorful weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Protein & Dairy

  • 1 pound chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Pantry Staples

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the final casserole, ensuring even cooking and a golden top.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside to keep warm.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onions are softened, building the flavor base.
  4. Cook Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly. Add the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10-12 minutes until the orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed, forming the creamy base.
  5. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the cheeses melt fully and the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
  6. Combine Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste to enhance the flavor profile.
  7. Bake: Transfer the entire mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the top is golden brown, ensuring a hot and melded casserole.
  8. Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Use chicken broth low in sodium to better control seasoning.
  • Orzo can be substituted with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or orrechiette if preferred.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, noting this will reduce creaminess slightly.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before combining.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/creamy-chicken-and-orzo-bake-recipe/