This One-Pan Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake is one of my favorite cozy, no-fuss dinners. It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly simple to prepare—all in one dish. Packed with tender chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach, this baked pasta dish is as comforting as it is satisfying. Whether I’m cooking for my family on a busy weeknight or prepping ahead for leftovers, this recipe always hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe comes together with almost no effort. It’s truly a dump-and-bake kind of meal—no mixing bowls, no stovetop prep, just everything in a casserole dish and straight into the oven. The orzo cooks perfectly as it soaks up the chicken stock and cream, while the burst cherry tomatoes and melty cheese create a rich, comforting sauce. It’s also easy to switch up the flavors to keep it exciting, which means I never get bored of making it.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
16 oz dry orzo
2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or sautéed diced chicken)
3 cups chicken stock (unsalted)
1 cup heavy cream
5 garlic cloves, minced
2/3 cup parmesan, grated or shredded
1.5 cups mozzarella, shredded
3 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped (or 8 oz box chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained)
1 pint cherry tomatoes (leave whole or slice in half)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if not using fresh garlic
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray.
In the casserole dish, add the orzo, cooked chicken, chicken stock, cream, garlic, spinach, tomatoes, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half of the parmesan and mozzarella. Mix everything together so it’s evenly combined and spread out in an even layer.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
Once out of the oven, let it sit for 10 minutes so the juices absorb and the dish thickens slightly.
Stir well with a large spoon before serving. I like to serve it with a simple salad or crusty bread.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
Marry Me Pasta: Swap spinach and cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
Louisiana Style: Replace spinach, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella with chopped bell peppers, broccoli, and Colby Jack cheese.
Pesto Chicken Bake: Add 2–3 tablespoons of pesto to the mix for a herby twist.
Chicken Scampi: Replace 1/2 cup of chicken stock with dry white wine for a lighter, more aromatic flavor.
Low-Fat Version: Use milk instead of cream and reduce cheese by half for a lighter but still comforting dish.
Storage/Reheating
I love how well this dish holds up for leftovers.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up.
Freezing isn’t ideal due to the creamy sauce and pasta texture, but it can be done. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight and reheat as above.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble it earlier in the day, cover it, and refrigerate it until I’m ready to bake. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.
Can I use uncooked chicken instead of pre-cooked?
I prefer pre-cooked chicken because the bake time is based on the orzo cooking. If using raw chicken, make sure it’s diced small and verify it’s fully cooked through before serving.
Can I swap the orzo for another type of pasta?
Yes, short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or elbows work well. Keep an eye on the cooking time and liquid absorption if using a different shape.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
I often use whole milk or a mix of milk and a tablespoon of butter for a lighter version. Half-and-half is another great substitute.
Why is my dish too watery?
If it looks a bit liquidy straight out of the oven, just let it rest for 10 minutes. The orzo will continue to absorb the liquid and it’ll thicken up beautifully.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake is a game-changer in my kitchen. It’s flavorful, filling, and ridiculously easy to make. I love how customizable it is and how it delivers every time—whether I’m feeding the family or saving leftovers for the next day. With minimal cleanup and maximum comfort, this recipe is always a win.
This One-Pan Orzo Tuscan Chicken Bake is a creamy, comforting, and easy weeknight dinner featuring orzo, chicken, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and melty cheese all baked together in one dish—no pre-cooking required.
Ingredients
16 oz dry orzo
2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie or diced)
3 cups chicken stock (unsalted)
1 cup heavy cream
5 garlic cloves, minced
2/3 cup grated or shredded parmesan
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
3 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped (or 8 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained)
1 pint cherry tomatoes (whole or halved)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1 tsp freshly cracked pepper
Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
In the dish, combine orzo, cooked chicken, chicken stock, cream, garlic, spinach, tomatoes, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half of the parmesan and mozzarella.
Stir to combine evenly and spread out in an even layer.
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until orzo is tender.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken.
Stir and serve warm, optionally with a salad or crusty bread.
Notes
Letting the dish rest after baking helps absorb excess liquid.
Assemble ahead of time and bake later—add 5–10 minutes if baking from cold.
Use milk or half-and-half for a lighter version.
Add pesto or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.
Stir in extra broth when reheating to refresh the texture.
