Unforgettable Orzo Chicken Casserole – Creamy, Flavor-Packed Dinner
This creamy one-pan Orzo Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, velvety pasta, fresh greens, and rich Parmesan sauce into the ultimate comfort dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or sauté pan – for cooking the chicken and orzo together in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring without damaging the pan surface.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
- Sharp chef’s knife – for chopping chicken and vegetables.
- Cutting board – for preparing ingredients.
Ingredients
- 650 g chicken breast (about 4) skinless and boneless, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil or oil from sun-dried tomato jar
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 170 g sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp paprika
- 250 g orzo pasta
- 650 ml hot chicken stock
- 150 ml double cream
- 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 120 g spinach
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
- Lower the heat and stir in garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Cook for 3–5 minutes until garlic softens and spices become fragrant.
- Add orzo, stir to coat in the seasoned oil mixture, then pour in hot chicken stock. Stir, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once orzo is nearly tender, stir in spinach and cream. Cook for 1–3 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce becomes silky.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle Parmesan over the top, and let it melt into the sauce.
- Serve directly from the pan, garnished with fresh herbs or extra Parmesan.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Add a splash of white wine before the stock for extra depth of flavor.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs mixed with fresh herbs before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or cream to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving (about 350 g)Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 34gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 690mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 3800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 2.4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!