Name: Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 16 oz. dry orzo; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste); 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (if not using fresh garlic); 2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or sautéed, diced); 1 cup heavy cream; 2/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated or shredded; 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 3 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped (or 8 oz box chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained); 1 pint cherry tomatoes, left whole or sliced in half; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 lemon, juice of; 3 cups chicken stock, unsalted

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 30 reviews

If you are craving a comforting, hearty dinner that brings together creamy, cheesy, and vibrant flavors in one delicious dish, then this Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake Recipe is your new best friend. Packed with tender chicken, tender orzo pasta, fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and melty cheeses all baked together in a savory blend of cream and chicken stock, it is an absolute crowd-pleaser that bursts with Tuscan charm. Best of all, it comes together quickly and requires just one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and satisfying without a fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of creamy orzo pasta dish in a white bowl, featuring a thick, light yellow sauce coating soft orzo pieces. Mixed throughout the orzo are small bright red cherry tomato halves and dark green spinach leaves, adding splashes of color and texture. The dish appears rich and smooth with visible black pepper specks throughout. A wooden spoon lifts a scoop of the pasta, showcasing the creamy texture and the mix of ingredients. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, from the creamy richness of heavy cream to the fresh pop of lemon juice, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures. The simplicity of these ingredients means you likely have many of them on hand, and each one brings something special to the table.

16 oz. dry orzo: The pasta base that soaks up all the delicious flavors and creates a tender, risotto-like texture.
2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or sautéed diced): Adds hearty protein and a savory depth to the bake.
3 cups chicken stock, unsalted: Provides the flavorful liquid that cooks the orzo perfectly.
1 cup heavy cream: Brings indulgent creaminess to the casserole, making it rich and luscious.
5 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic foundation.
2/3 cup parmesan, grated or shredded: Adds a sharp, salty kick and helps create a golden top.
1.5 cups mozzarella, shredded: Melts beautifully for gooey, stringy cheese bliss.
3 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped (or 8 oz box chopped spinach, thawed and drained): Brings fresh color and a mild, earthy touch.
1 pint cherry tomatoes, whole or halved: Pops of juicy sweetness that balance the richness.
1/2 lemon, juice of: Adds a bright, zesty lift that cuts through the creamy base.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the herbs and flavors together seamlessly.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall taste, adjusted to preference.
1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice and earthiness.
Optional – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A handy substitute if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand.

How to Make Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Casserole Dish

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. This simple prep ensures your Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake will release easily after baking and helps keep the dish clean and fuss-free.

Step 2: Combine All Ingredients in the Dish

Next, add the dry orzo, cooked chicken, chicken stock, heavy cream, minced garlic, chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half of the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses right into your casserole dish. Give everything a thorough stir to evenly combine the ingredients and create a flat, even layer. This helps the flavors marry beautifully during baking.

Step 3: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and mozzarella evenly over the top of the mixture. This cheese topping will melt and brown to create an irresistible golden crust. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 4: Let It Rest Before Serving

Once you pull the casserole out of the oven, be patient and allow it to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes. This resting time is the secret to a perfectly creamy texture, letting the pan juices absorb back into the orzo so it’s not watery and holds together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Give the bake a good stir with a large serving spoon, then dish it out while warm. Get ready for those cozy bites of creamy orzo, tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and popping cherry tomatoes – a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

How to Serve Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake Recipe

A close-up view shows a creamy dish in a white casserole dish with three main layers visible: a base of small, pale yellow orzo pasta coated in a thick, rich, off-white sauce; scattered bright red cherry tomatoes and fresh dark green spinach leaves distributed throughout the pasta layer; and chunks of light beige cooked chicken mixed evenly. A wooden spoon held by a woman's hand lifts a portion of the creamy pasta, tomatoes, spinach, and chicken from the dish, with the dish resting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake Recipe presentation and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top. A little drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few shavings of parmesan cheese just before serving can also add a delicious finishing touch and freshness.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies. For something light, try a chopped salad kit dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to contrast the creamy richness of the casserole perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If serving guests, consider scooping the bake into individual ramekins and topping each with a cherry tomato half and fresh herb sprig for a pretty, personalized touch. Alternatively, serve it in a stylish cast-iron dish right from the oven for a rustic, family-style vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy, ready-to-go meal or lunch option the next day, with all the flavors even more infused.

Freezing

The Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake Recipe freezes well too. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes covered with foil to retain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions, but add a splash of chicken stock or cream beforehand to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can sauté diced chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through, then add them to the casserole. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before mixing with the other ingredients.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative, and swap the cheeses for dairy-free versions. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.

Can I add other vegetables to this bake?

Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition. Just make sure to chop them small enough so they cook through during the bake time.

What can I use instead of orzo pasta?

If you don’t have orzo, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells work well. Note that cooking times might vary slightly.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when mixing the ingredients. You could also stir in some chopped jalapeños or spicy Italian sausage for bold heat.

Final Thoughts

This Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake Recipe really feels like a warm embrace in meal form — rich, comforting, and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. It’s effortlessly easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve family and friends, quickly earning its place as a beloved recipe in your dinner rotation. Give it a try, and you just might find yourself making it again and again!