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Homemade Creamy Garlic Chicken Orzo Bake recipe photo

Creamy Garlic Chicken Orzo Bake

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Orzo Bake is rich, comforting, and easy to make—a cozy dinner with tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and melty mozzarella.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Chicken, Comfort Food, Creamy, Easy, One-Pot, Orzo, Weeknight
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breast diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup spinach chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Instructions

Creamy Garlic Chicken Orzo Bake

  • Heat the olive oil in your large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir to combine.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir in the orzo pasta, reduce the heat slightly, and let it simmer uncovered until the orzo is almost tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Stir well to combine, then add the chopped spinach and cooked chicken back into the mixture. Allow the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the skillet. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.
  • Remove the skillet from the oven using oven mitts. Let it cool for a few minutes before sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness!

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Oven mitts

Notes

  • Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a seasonal variation.
  • Use low-fat cream or milk for a lighter version.
  • Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
  • Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian-friendly.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.