Name: Chicken Orzo Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup spinach, chopped (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This chicken orzo bake is my go-to comfort meal when I want something creamy, cheesy, and satisfying without a lot of fuss. It combines tender shredded chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and gooey melted cheese, all baked together until golden and bubbly. It’s perfect for a hearty family dinner that feels special but comes together easily in one dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

1 ½ cups orzo pasta

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup spinach, chopped (optional)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is just tender but still slightly firm—it will finish cooking in the oven.

Add the shredded chicken, chopped spinach (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.

Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time is about 15 minutes, cooking time takes roughly 30 minutes, making the total time around 45 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap out the spinach for kale or add mushrooms for an earthy twist. Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream lightens the dish a bit without losing creaminess. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. For a gluten-free version, I swap orzo with gluten-free pasta or even quinoa.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I microwave portions covered loosely with a damp paper towel or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or cream before reheating helps keep the dish creamy and prevents it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before adding it in. Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly.

What if I don’t have orzo pasta?

I’ve used other small pasta shapes like small shells, ditalini, or even couscous as a substitute with good results.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas for protein. You might want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I freeze leftovers?

I don’t recommend freezing this dish as the cream and cheese can separate when thawed, altering the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

Conclusion

This chicken orzo bake is one of my favorite comfort meals because it’s easy, creamy, and satisfying. It comes together quickly and is perfect for feeding family or guests with minimal cleanup. I love how the tender chicken, creamy orzo, and cheesy crust work together to create a cozy, flavorful dish every time. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it never disappoints.

Recipe:

Chicken Orzo Bake

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A creamy, cheesy chicken orzo bake combining tender shredded chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and melted cheese, baked until golden and bubbly for a comforting family meal.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the orzo pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is just tender but still slightly firm—it will finish cooking in the oven.
Add the shredded chicken, chopped spinach (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.