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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo Bake Recipe

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3.8 from 8 reviews

This creamy Chicken Orzo Bake, Tuscan style, is a simple and comforting one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy orzo pasta in a savory sauce, it’s baked to perfection in an oven-safe dish for a hearty Mediterranean-inspired meal the whole family will enjoy.

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 3 cup baby spinach

Pasta and Dairy

  • 1.5 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 3 cup chicken broth or chicken stock
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200°C) and spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch cubes. Place the chicken in the baking dish and toss with olive oil and seasonings—kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and chopped fresh basil—making sure all pieces are evenly coated.
  3. Add Vegetables and Herbs: Add minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach on top of the seasoned chicken.
  4. Combine Pasta and Broth: Evenly spread the dry orzo over the ingredients. Pour the chicken broth over everything. Add Greek yogurt to the broth and whisk to combine before stirring gently to mix all ingredients together with a wooden spoon.
  5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ (75°C). Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
  6. Add Parmesan and Rest: Remove the dish from the oven and stir in shredded parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld before serving.
  7. Optional Searing Step: For enhanced flavor, sear the seasoned chicken cubes in a skillet with olive oil over medium to medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until golden brown before adding to the baking dish with the other ingredients.

Notes

  • The sauce will be quite liquidy immediately after baking but will thicken as it rests.
  • Searing the chicken before baking adds extra flavor and color but is optional.
  • You can swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
  • If you prefer, use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
  • Adjust seasoning based on your preference, especially salt and pepper.
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-orzo-bake-recipe/