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Creamy Baked Chicken and Orzo Recipe

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4.1 from 89 reviews

This creamy baked chicken and orzo dish is a comforting one-pan meal packed with tender chicken, al dente orzo, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a luscious cream cheese sauce, all baked together to perfection. It’s finished with fresh spinach and parmesan for a flavorful and creamy texture, perfect for a family dinner.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 ½ lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized cubes
  • 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
  • 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp sea salt

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup orzo (uncooked)
  • 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 12 oz cherry tomatoes
  • 6-8 oz cream cheese, cubed

Finishing Ingredients

  • 2 handfuls baby spinach
  • ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (optional)
  • Freshly chopped basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
  2. Prepare Chicken: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, add the cubed chicken along with olive oil, Italian seasoning, onion powder, pepper, and sea salt. Toss everything together to evenly coat the chicken with the spices and oil.
  3. Add Orzo and Vegetables: Stir in the uncooked orzo, minced garlic, chicken broth, and cherry tomatoes. Make sure the orzo is fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking. Scatter the cream cheese cubes throughout the mixture in the pan.
  4. Bake Covered: Seal the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes. Avoid opening during baking to retain steam and heat. At around 35-40 minutes, check if the orzo is al dente, chicken has reached 165°F internally, and most broth is absorbed. Continue baking if needed.
  5. Incorporate Cream Cheese: Once cooked, uncover and gently stir the mixture to melt and combine the cream cheese. Some tomatoes will naturally pop; stir to release their juices and enhance the creamy sauce.
  6. Add Parmesan and Spinach: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan and baby spinach. Allow the parmesan to melt and the spinach to wilt, which will thicken and enrich the sauce. Optionally, add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time to increase creaminess and richness to your preference.
  7. Serve: Top with freshly chopped basil for a burst of freshness and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For best results, keep the baking dish tightly sealed during cooking to trap steam and ensure the orzo cooks evenly.
  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it lighter or use low-sodium broth for reduced salt content.
  • If you prefer, swap cream cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a different creamy texture.
  • Make sure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.
  • Heavy cream is optional; adding it will increase richness but keep the dish creamy even without it.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but the sauce may thicken more.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/creamy-baked-chicken-and-orzo-recipe/