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Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo Bake

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo Bake
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A comforting and creamy Spinach Artichoke Chicken Orzo Bake that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, tangy artichoke hearts, and perfectly cooked orzo pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. Ready in under an hour, this one-pan bake blends classic spinach artichoke dip flavors with the heartiness of chicken and pasta, making it a versatile and family-friendly dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Pasta

  • 2 large chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
  • 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta

Vegetables & Greens

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

Dairy & Cheese

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably freshly shredded)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids & Oils

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Combine Spinach and Artichokes: Add the fresh spinach and chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the artichokes soften slightly, maintaining their tanginess.
  3. Mix Creamy Sauce and Orzo: Stir in the cream cheese, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the cream cheese to melt completely, creating a rich and creamy sauce. Add the uncooked orzo and mix well until evenly coated and combined.
  4. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole or baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese to ensure a golden, bubbly crust during baking.
  5. Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the dish uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and to avoid clumping.
  • Do not overcook orzo on the stove; it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Drain artichoke hearts well to prevent excess moisture making the bake watery.
  • Season in layers with salt and pepper to develop balanced flavors.
  • Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving and flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spinach Artichoke Bake, Chicken Orzo Bake, Creamy Chicken Casserole, Comfort Food, One-Pan Dinner, Cheesy Chicken Bake

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/spinach-artichoke-chicken-orzo-bake/