Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake, where tender chicken meets vibrant orzo pasta and fresh vegetables. This one-pan dish is a comforting blend of flavors that will warm your heart and delight your taste buds. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress with its rich aromas and colorful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté chicken until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and spinach; cook until spinach wilts (about 2 minutes).
- Stir in uncooked orzo, cherry tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Gradually pour in heavy cream while stirring.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in smoked paprika or fresh herbs. To enhance creaminess, add more cheese before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.