If you're in the mood for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, a Chicken and Orzo Bake might just be what you need. This one-dish wonder combines tender chunks of chicken, orzo pasta, and a medley of flavors that bake together to create a hearty and satisfying dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is both simple to prepare and delightful to eat.
Ingredients
This Chicken and Orzo Bake is packed with ingredients that meld together into a delicious ensemble:
- Chicken: 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Orzo: 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta for a rice-like texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Chicken Broth: 2 ½ cups to cook the orzo and keep everything moist.
- Spinach: 2 cups fresh, adds color and a nutritional boost.
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped, for a base flavor.
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced, for aromatic depth.
- Diced Tomatoes: One 14.5-ounce can, undrained for a bit of tang and juiciness.
- Cheese: 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup grated Parmesan, for creamy, melty goodness.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to enhance the overall flavor.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a mouth-watering Chicken and Orzo Bake:
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then cook the onion and garlic until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Cook Orzo: Stir in the uncooked orzo and let it toast slightly with the onions and garlic for about 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the orzo is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the fresh spinach and stir until it begins to wilt. Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary.
- Bake: Transfer everything into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with both mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Orzo Bake offers a fantastic mix of flavors and textures, from the tender chicken and chewy orzo to the creamy melted cheese topping. It's a complete meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste. Perfect for those evenings when you need a fulfilling meal without too much fuss, it's sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire. Enjoy this comforting bake on any day of the week for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
Chicken and Orzo Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Enjoy a cozy and satisfying meal with this chicken and orzo bake. It combines tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, and a blend of cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. This dish is sure to become a family favorite for its comforting flavors and ease of preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Stir in orzo and diced tomatoes. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Mix in spinach until it wilts.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a crispier top, place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of the dish
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 790 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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