One Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken Orzo Bake
This Creamy Chicken Orzo Bake is an easy one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, creamy tomato parmesan sauce, baked orzo, and garlic. Fancy enough for entertaining but simple enough for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- 1 tsp kosher salt divided
- ½ tsp black pepper divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tsp sugar optional
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Extra parmesan and basil for garnish
Let's Make It
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Add the uncooked orzo to the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Pour chicken broth over the top.
- In a bowl, mix together crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar (if using), ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the orzo and stir lightly.
- Season chicken breasts with remaining salt and pepper, then place directly on top of the orzo mixture.
- Drizzle chicken with olive oil or melted butter.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F and the orzo is tender.
- Garnish with parmesan and fresh basil before serving.
- Serve warm with roasted asparagus.