Description
This Chicken Orzo Bake is a comforting and easy ‘dump and bake’ recipe featuring tender chicken, hearty orzo, and a medley of vegetables baked under a cheesy topping. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 300g (10oz) Orzo Pasta
- 400g (14oz) Chicken Breast, Cubed (seasoned with smoked paprika)
- 150g (5oz) Onion, Diced
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 100g (3.5oz) Carrot, Grated
- 150g (5oz) Frozen Peas, Thawed
- 500ml (2 cups) Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth
- 250ml (1 cup) Almond Milk
- 100g (3.5oz) Mozzarella Cheese, Grated
- 30g (1oz) Parmesan Cheese, Grated
- 2 Tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp (15ml) Butter
- ½ tsp (2g) Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp (2g) Dried Thyme
- Zest of 1 Lemon
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- 2 Tbsp (8g) Parsley, Chopped (for garnish)
- 1 Tbsp (5g) Pine Nuts, Toasted (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and grease a baking dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion in olive oil and butter until translucent.
- Bloom Spices: Stir in garlic, paprika, and thyme; cook until fragrant.
- Sear Chicken: Add chicken, season, and sear until lightly browned.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in carrot and peas; sauté for 2 minutes.
- Coat Orzo: Add orzo and lemon zest; toss to coat.
- Simmer: Pour in broth and almond milk; bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Assemble & Top: Transfer to baking dish, spread evenly, and top with cheeses.
- Bake Covered: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and bake for 10-12 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Rest & Garnish: Rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley and pine nuts.
Notes
For best results, use enough liquid and avoid overstirring during the final baking stage. Feel free to customize with other vegetables or spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg