Description
A rich and comforting Creamy Chicken and Orzo Bake featuring tender cubed chicken, tender orzo pasta, and a luscious cheese sauce made with mozzarella, Parmesan, and heavy cream, baked until bubbly and golden topped with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauté
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Orzo and Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the final dish.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Allow the orzo to cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine Chicken: Return cooked chicken to the skillet mixture and stir to combine well. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Bake: Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Use low-fat cream or milk to reduce calories, but the texture may be less creamy.
- If you want extra crispiness, broil the bake for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
