Chicken Parmesan Orzo – Plain Chicken

Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Orzo is an easy one-pan chicken dinner loaded with tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, tomato sauce, garlic, and parmesan cheese. This simple chicken orzo recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and requires almost no prep. A family favorite comfort food recipe everyone loves! #chickenorzo #pastabake #easydinner #onepanmeal #chickenrecipe

Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Orzo

This dump and bake chicken parmesan orzo is the definition of comfort food. Tender chicken, creamy orzo pasta, rich tomato sauce, garlic, and plenty of parmesan cheese come together in one easy dish that tastes like a cross between chicken parmesan and a cozy pasta bake. The orzo absorbs all the flavorful liquid as it bakes, creating a creamy consistency without any extra work. If you’re looking for a simple chicken orzo recipe for busy weeknights, this one is always a family favorite.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Orzo

This chicken orzo couldn’t be easier to make with only a few simple ingredients. Add the chicken stock, heavy cream, pasta sauce, orzo pasta, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stir everything together until combined.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake until the orzo is tender, stirring halfway through cooking to ensure the pasta cooks evenly. The orzo absorbs the flavorful liquid while baking, creating a rich and creamy base.

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the chopped cooked chicken and parmesan cheese. The warm orzo melts the cheese into the sauce, adding even more flavor to every bite.

For the finishing touch, combine Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, melted butter, and garlic salt. Sprinkle the mixture over the top and bake until golden brown. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving for a classic chicken parmesan flavor.

Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

• What is orzo? Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that looks similar to rice but has the texture and flavor of traditional pasta when cooked.
• Use rotisserie chicken to make this chicken dinner even quicker.
  • You can use any cooked chicken in this recipe  – chicken breasts, chicken thighs or chicken tenderloins.
• Stir the orzo halfway through baking so it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to help the orzo absorb the liquid properly.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • You can use the parmsean cheese in the green can.
• Want extra veggies? Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes when adding the chicken and parmesan cheese.
• Can I use chicken broth instead of chicken stock? Yes. Chicken broth works great in this recipe.
• Can I use another pasta? Orzo pasta works best because it cooks evenly in the sauce. Other pasta shapes may require adjustments to the liquid and baking time.
• Is this recipe spicy? No. It has a classic Italian flavor from the garlic, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning.
• Can I add more cheese? Absolutely. A little extra parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella is always a good idea.
• Our favorite store-bought spaghetti sauces are Trader Joe’s Roasted Garlic Marinara (green label), Carbone, Rao’s, and La Famiglia DelGrosso.

Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: Assemble the recipe up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating:Reheat in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in the oven until heated through.
  • Add a splash of chicken stock or cream when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan Orzo

This chicken parmesan orzo disappeared fast at our house. Everyone went back for seconds, and there were barely any leftovers by the end of dinner. The creamy orzo, tender chicken, and crispy parmesan topping make this a complete meal, but a few simple side dishes turn it into an even more impressive dinner.

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