Name: Creamy Baked Chicken Orzo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1.5 tablespoons olive oil; 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 0.5 teaspoon onion powder; 0.5 teaspoon pepper; 0.5 teaspoon sea salt; 1 cup uncooked orzo; 2.25 cups chicken broth; 3-4 cloves garlic; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 6-8 oz cream cheese; 2 handfuls baby spinach; 0.25 cup freshly grated parmesan; 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)

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There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of Creamy Baked Chicken Orzo. As the savory scents of garlic and spices waft through your kitchen, you can practically hear the gentle bubbling from the oven, beckoning you to indulge. Picture perfectly tender chicken, creamy cheese, and sun-kissed cherry tomatoes mingling joyfully with fluffy orzo, all nestled together in one delightful dish.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Creamy Baked Chicken Orzo
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Creamy Baked Chicken Orzo

I remember the first time I made this recipe for my family on a chilly autumn evening, when the golden leaves danced outside the window. We huddled around the table, laughing, sharing stories, and savoring each delicious bite. With the chill in the air, nothing is more inviting than a hearty meal like this. So, grab your favorite apron, because you’re about to create a masterpiece that’s not only delightful in flavor but also beautiful in presentation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in about an hour, including prep and bake time — perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: Rich cream cheese, fresh tomatoes, and spices create a mouthwatering blend that you can’t resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant cherry tomatoes and luscious greens make this dish a true showstopper.
Flexible Serving: Great for family dinners, meal prep, or even impressing guests at a gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: Adaptable for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free orzo.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star ingredient for lean protein; consider using thighs for extra juiciness.
Olive Oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps with searing; avocado oil works too!
Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano and basil for a classic flavor; use fresh herbs if you have them on hand.
Onion Powder: Contributes depth; fresh onions can also be chopped and sautéed for added flavor.
Pepper & Sea Salt: Essential for enhancing the overall taste; feel free to adjust to personal preference.
Orzo: This small pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully; you can substitute with any small pasta you prefer.
Chicken Broth: Infuses the dish with savory goodness; low-sodium broth works if you’re watching your salt intake.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced for that aromatic base—use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is best!
Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness bursts in your mouth; Roma tomatoes are a good substitute if cherry isn’t available.
Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, velvety texture; Neufchâtel cheese can be used for a lighter option.
Baby Spinach: Adds color and nutrients; kale or Swiss chard can be swapped if you prefer a sturdier green.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated enhances flavor; Pecorino Romano is a robust alternative.
Heavy Cream (optional): Makes it extra creamy; you can omit this if you prefer a lighter dish.

How to Make Creamy Baked Chicken Orzo

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it’s warming up, grab a large oven-safe dish or skillet—something that can hold all the ingredients—and get ready for an aromatic adventure. A bit of olive oil will go in first to create a base that ensures your chicken gets that beautiful golden color, so drizzle 1½ tablespoons of olive oil into your dish.

Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the 1½ pounds of cubed chicken breasts with 1½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon each of onion powder, pepper, and sea salt. This will give your chicken all the flavor it needs to shine in this creamy masterpiece. Give it a good mix, so every piece of chicken is evenly coated.

Sauté the Chicken: Place your seasoned chicken in the prepared dish and sear it for around 5–7 minutes over medium-high heat, until the chicken is just browned. You’re looking for that juicy color—don’t worry about cooking it through completely, as it will finish in the oven. Once it’s golden and aromatic, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Add Aromatics: In the same dish or skillet, add the minced garlic (3-4 cloves) and let it sauté for about a minute. You’ll want to stir it until the kitchen fills with an irresistible garlicky fragrance—this is where the magic begins! Toss in the cherry tomatoes and let them cook for another 2-3 minutes until they just start to burst, releasing their juicy goodness.

Incorporate the Orzo and Broth: Next, stir in 1 cup of uncooked orzo pasta and pour in 2 ¼ cups of chicken broth. This combo invites the pasta to absorb all the lovely flavors. Mix it well, ensuring the orzo is submerged and gets a taste of everything. If you’re feeling adventurous, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream for extra richness at this stage.

Return the Chicken: Nestle your sautéed chicken back into the mixture. Then, add 2 handfuls of baby spinach, folding everything together gently until the spinach wilts a bit. Top with cubed cream cheese (6-8 oz) and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan (¼ cup). You can also add in more cheese for an irresistible cheesy finish!

Bake Until Creamy: Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling, and the orzo has absorbed the lovely broth, becoming perfectly tender. If you love a golden top, you can broil it for a couple of minutes until it’s bubbly and slightly crispy.

Storing & Reheating

After enjoying your Creamy Baked Chicken Orzo, you can store the leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for about 4–5 days. If you decide to freeze it, simply place it in a freezer-safe dish, where it can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes will help restore its creamy texture; just add a splash of broth to refresh the moisture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be cautious not to overcook the chicken during the sautéing phase; it will finish cooking in the bake, retaining its juiciness.
For an extra flavor kick, you can marinate the chicken in the seasoning blend for a few hours or overnight.
If the orzo seems dry when baking, a drizzle of broth or cream can help achieve that velvety texture.
Feel free to mix in other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers based on what’s in season or what you have handy.
This dish can be prepped ahead of time—just assemble everything and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

With all the comforting flavors and textures, you’ll want to make Creamy Baked Chicken Orzo a staple in your home. This recipe has such a perfect blend of warmth and joy that makes it ideal for every occasion—from a cozy family dinner to impressing friends on a special night.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Though orzo is perfect for this recipe due to its size and cooking time, you can substitute it with any small pasta like elbow macaroni or ditalini. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

If cream cheese isn’t on hand, Neufchâtel cheese makes a wonderful alternative! Alternatively, you could use a sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier taste that’s still creamy.

How can I add more vegetables?

Wonderful question! This dish is very versatile—feel free to toss in your favorite seasonal vegetables. Peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms would pair beautifully with the existing flavors.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it’s excellent for freezing! Just store in a freezer-safe container and enjoy it within three months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

With its delicious flavors and creamy texture, Creamy Baked Chicken Orzo is bound to become your go-to comfort food. Enjoy the cooking process and feel free to put your own spin on it!