Description

The Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, tangy artichokes, and delicate orzo pasta baked to perfection. This wholesome casserole is easy to prepare, family-friendly, and adaptable to various dietary needs, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

1 ½ cups orzo pasta

Vegetables

4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese & Dairy

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping

Liquids & Oils

2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped onions; cook until fragrant and translucent. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until just wilted. Remove from heat.
Cook the Orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Cook orzo according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Make the Creamy Spinach Artichoke Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Fold in the sautéed spinach, onions, garlic, chopped artichoke hearts, and cooked chicken while the mixture is still warm, blending all flavors together.
Assemble the Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Layer the cooked orzo and the creamy chicken-vegetable mixture in the dish. Gently fold to evenly coat. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake and Serve: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the bake to set properly.

Notes

Use fresh spinach for better color and texture; if using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess water first.
Do not overcook the orzo; it should be al dente to hold texture during baking.
Sauté chicken and vegetables separately to maintain distinct textures and layered flavors.
Let the casserole rest after baking to help it firm up and make for easier slicing.
Use high-quality cheeses for richer flavor and creaminess.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: spinach artichoke chicken orzo bake, creamy chicken casserole, one dish chicken dinner, cheesy chicken bake, comfort food, gluten-free dinner