If you’re craving homey comfort mingled with vibrant Mediterranean flair, look no further: this one-pan wonder is about to become your new obsession. Imagine this—the stars of the show are In a large baking dish, add dry orzo, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper melding together into a luscious, creamy, Tuscan-inspired chicken orzo. It’s effortlessly impressive, ridiculously easy, and best of all, you only need a single dish! Perfect for busy nights or a cozy, feel-good meal with just the right amount of elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s so much to love about this recipe, and it all starts with a handful of fresh, staple ingredients. Each element brings its own personality, from the juicy bursts of cherry tomatoes to the earthy kick of Italian seasoning. Get ready for a dish that’s hearty, colorful, and packed with flavor in every bite.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide a tender, lean protein that soaks up every bit of Tuscan flavor.
- Dry orzo pasta: Orzo cooks right in the dish, becoming perfectly creamy as it absorbs all those delicious juices.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps everything moist without overpowering the other flavors.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursts of juicy sweetness create pops of color and vibrant flavor throughout.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a nutritious touch and beautiful green hue—it wilts beautifully into the dish.
- Heavy cream: For rich, silky smoothness that ties everything together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, savory finish and melts into the creamy sauce.
- Garlic (minced): For that unmistakable warmth and aroma—it’s the heart of every Tuscan dish.
- Olive oil: A drizzle keeps the chicken moist and adds classic Mediterranean richness.
- Italian seasoning: This aromatic blend gives the dish its signature flavor profile.
- Paprika: For a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that heighten every other flavor in the pan.
How to Make In a large baking dish, add dry orzo, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by cranking up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heating it up ahead ensures that everything cooks evenly and your orzo bakes up tender and perfect.
Step 2: In a large baking dish, add dry orzo, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper
Here’s where the magic begins! In a large baking dish, add dry orzo, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently—this lets the orzo soak up every bit of seasoned goodness while the veggies and aromatics get evenly distributed. You’ll love the colors already.
Step 3: Add the Chicken Breasts
Place your chicken breasts right on top of the orzo mixture. Nestling them in lets them cook in all those delicious juices, keeping the meat ultra-juicy while infusing it with every flavor you’ve packed into the base.
Step 4: Bake, Covered
Tightly cover the dish with foil to trap the steam—this is the secret to super-moist chicken and perfectly tender orzo. Slide it all into the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Don’t peek yet!
Step 5: Add the Cream and Parmesan
Carefully remove the dish from the oven (watch for steam!), and take off the foil. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese right into the orzo. This is when things get seriously creamy and decadent—the cheese will melt and the cream will blend with the orzo into silky perfection.
Step 6: Finish Baking Uncovered
Pop the uncovered dish back into the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo has that dreamy, tender texture. The top will get a beautiful golden hint, and you’ll know it’s ready when everything smells irresistible!
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Give the dish 5 minutes to rest after you take it out of the oven. This helps all the juices get reabsorbed, making every bite more delicious. Slice the chicken and serve it over generous spoonfuls of that creamy Tuscan orzo.
How to Serve In a large baking dish, add dry orzo, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper
Garnishes
The finishing touch makes all the difference! Sprinkle extra Parmesan, a twist of cracked black pepper, or fresh basil right before serving to highlight those classic Tuscan flavors. A lemon wedge on the side perks things up with a bright, zesty note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty much a meal on its own, but a side of rustic bread is wonderful for soaking up any extra sauce. A simple arugula salad lightly dressed with olive oil and lemon adds a refreshing bite alongside the warm, hearty orzo. Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans are also lovely lighter accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dinner party presentation, serve the chicken sliced over mounds of orzo in shallow bowls, drizzled with extra olive oil and topped with a shower of Parmesan. Or, for weeknight ease, just serve family-style straight from the baking dish—everyone will love digging in for seconds (and thirds!). Don’t forget, In a large baking dish, add dry orzo, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper makes a seriously eye-catching centerpiece on any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making each reheated bite almost better than the last!
Freezing
Want to save some for later? After cooling, portion the orzo and chicken into freezer-safe containers. You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results—the orzo holds its creamy texture surprisingly well!
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat portions gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to bring back that luxurious creaminess. Cover the dish to keep the moisture in as it warms through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a little juicier and just as delicious—the cooking time stays about the same, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Can I substitute the orzo for another pasta?
Short pastas like small shells or ditalini can work, but for the best creamy texture with this recipe, orzo really shines since it cooks evenly and absorbs all the lovely flavors in a large baking dish, add dry orzo, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
You can leave out the cream and cheese or use dairy-free alternatives, but the final dish will be a bit less rich and creamy. Try stirring in a splash of unsweetened almond milk and some nutritional yeast for a similar effect.
Can I add more vegetables?
Certainly! In a large baking dish, add dry orzo, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper can accommodate extras like zucchini, artichoke hearts, or mushrooms. Just chop them small so everything cooks evenly!
What if my orzo looks too dry or isn’t fully cooked?
If you notice the orzo is still a bit firm or the mixture seems dry after baking, simply add a splash of warm chicken broth, cover, and bake for 5 more minutes. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it rests, so don’t worry if it looks slightly saucy coming out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
This dish brings together everything we love about cozy, satisfying dinners: bold flavors, creamy textures, and the pure convenience of tossing everything in a single pan. If you haven’t tried the magic of In a large baking dish, add dry orzo, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper yet, now’s your chance—your table is about to get a lot more Tuscan, and a whole lot more delicious!
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In a large baking dish, add dry orzo, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Dump and Bake Tuscan Chicken Orzo recipe is a one-dish meal that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare. With tender chicken, creamy orzo, and a blend of herbs and spices, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Orzo:
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Assemble Dish: In a large baking dish, add dry orzo, chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, spinach, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the orzo mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Add Cream & Cheese: Remove from oven, uncover, and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Finish Baking: Return to oven uncovered and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and orzo is tender.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice the chicken and serve over the creamy Tuscan-style orzo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 39 g
