How to Make Baked Orzo Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (cut into 3/4‑inch cubes; seasoned with salt and pepper)
• 1/2 tsp Salt (for seasoning chicken)
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 cups Orzo Pasta (dry)
• 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved; can substitute regular diced tomatoes)
• 4 Garlic Cloves (thinly sliced)
• 1 tsp Dried Basil
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 Lemon (zest and juice (about 2 tbsp))
• 1/2 cup White Wine (dry; can replace with extra chicken stock)
• 3 cups Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
• 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
• 3 handfuls Fresh Baby Spinach (washed; will wilt down)
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (about 4 oz)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 1 tbsp Butter (for greasing baking dish)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

   Place the cubed chicken in a bowl, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and toss to coat evenly.

   Time: PT3M

2. Prepare the Creamy Liquid

   In a separate mixing bowl whisk together 3 cups chicken stock, softened cream cheese, zest of one lemon, lemon juice, and 1/2 cup white wine until smooth.

   Time: PT5M

3. Grease the Baking Dish

   Rub the inside of the baking dish with 1 tbsp butter (or oil) to prevent sticking.

   Time: PT2M

4. Add Dry Ingredients

   Scatter the seasoned chicken, 2 cups dry orzo, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, dried basil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder over the bottom of the dish.

   Time: PT3M

5. Combine with Liquid

   Pour the prepared liquid over the ingredients and stir gently with a spatula, making sure the liquid reaches the corners and all the orzo is coated.

   Time: PT3M

6. Cover and Bake (First Stage)

   Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place in a pre‑heated oven.

   Time: PT1M

7. First Bake

   Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.

   Time: PT20M

   Temperature: 400°F

8. Add Spinach

   Remove the foil, stir the casserole, then fold in three handfuls of fresh baby spinach; it will wilt quickly.

   Time: PT3M

9. Add Cheese Topping

   Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan evenly over the top.

   Time: PT2M

10. Final Bake (Uncovered)

    Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake 5–10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns lightly golden.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 400°F

11. Rest and Serve

    Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

3 g