CHICKEN ORZO PASTA BAKE

– **1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese**
– **Fresh parsley**, chopped (for garnish)

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### How to Make Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake

#### Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, adding the orzo, and cooking for 7-9 minutes until al dente. Drain the orzo and set it aside.

#### Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season it with salt, pepper, and half of the dried Italian seasoning. Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

#### Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

#### Step 4: Make the Sauce
To the skillet, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits left in the pan. Stir in the remaining Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.

#### Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Now, add the cooked orzo pasta and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and half of the mozzarella cheese, mixing until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

#### Step 6: Assemble the Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the chicken, orzo, and sauce mixture into the baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Top the dish with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it’s well-covered with a cheesy, melty layer.

#### Step 7: Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

#### Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake is out of the oven, sprinkle it with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the dish warm, and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness!

### Tips for the Perfect Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake

– **Use Rotisserie Chicken**: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Just shred it and add it in when mixing with the sauce and orzo.
– **Add Vegetables**: Feel free to customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added color and nutrition. Simply sauté the veggies along with the onions and garlic before adding the chicken.
– **Spicy Twist**: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce to give it a spicy kick.
– **Make it Lighter**: You can swap the heavy cream for milk or even a lighter cream option for a healthier version of this dish.
– **Make Ahead**: This recipe is great for meal prep. You can assemble the dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven to bake.
– **Freezing**: This dish also freezes well. If you want to make it in advance, you can prepare the casserole, allow it to cool, and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to eat, bake it straight from the freezer, but be sure to give it extra time in the oven to heat through.

### Variations of Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake

– **Chicken and Broccoli Orzo Bake**: Add some steamed broccoli to the dish for a veggie-packed version. The crunch of the broccoli pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta and tender chicken.
– **Spicy Chicken Orzo Bake**: To add some heat, throw in some diced green chilies, spicy sausage, or a dash of hot sauce.
– **Cheesy Chicken Orzo Bake**: For an even cheesier experience, add a mix of cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack cheese along with the mozzarella and Parmesan.

### Conclusion: A Cozy Meal That Hits the Spot

Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake is the kind of meal that hits all the right notes—comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make, easy to serve, and easily customizable to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a weekend get-together, or even meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.

Pair it with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. So, grab your ingredients and give this Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake a try—you won’t be disappointed!