One-Pan Baked Creamy Chicken Orzo Pasta

There’s nothing quite like a cozy one-pan meal on a busy weeknight, especially one that’s creamy, comforting, and made with simple, real ingredients. This One-Pan Baked Creamy Chicken Orzo Pasta is everything you want in an easy weeknight dinner: tender orzo, juicy chicken, and a cheesy, golden top baked all in one dish.

What Is Chicken Orzo Pasta?

Chicken Orzo Pasta is a cozy, one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a creamy sauce that bakes until golden and bubbly. Though it looks like rice, orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks right in the sauce — absorbing every bit of that rich, savory flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan dinner – Everything bakes together in a single dish for easy prep and quick cleanup.
• Comforting and creamy – A rich, cozy blend of chicken broth, cream, mozzarella, and parmesan gives this pasta its irresistible texture.
• Great for busy nights – Prep in just 10 minutes using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken.
• Made with real ingredients – No shortcuts here — just simple, nourishing staples that make this dish wholesome and satisfying.
• Versatile – Add your favorite veggies like peas, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Orzo – A small, rice-shaped pasta that bakes beautifully right in the sauce, soaking up all the creamy, savory flavor.
• Cooked chicken – Adds hearty protein and makes this dish satisfying enough for a full meal. Use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience or diced cooked chicken breast.
• Chicken broth – Infuses the orzo with rich, savory flavor as it bakes.
• Baby spinach – Adds color, nutrients, and a touch of freshness to balance the creamy sauce.
• Cherry tomatoes – Little bursts of sweetness that bring brightness to every bite.
• Heavy cream – The secret to that luscious, creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for that stringy, cheesy finish we all love.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty kick that deepens the flavor and enhances the sauce.
• Italian seasoning – A classic blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that brings warmth and depth to every bite.
• Garlic powder – Adds a subtle savory base to complement the creamy sauce.
• Salt and black pepper – Simple, essential, and the key to bringing all the flavors together.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish – The perfect size for this one-pan chicken orzo bake.
• Aluminum foil – Essential for trapping steam so the orzo cooks through and stays creamy before finishing uncovered for that golden top.
• Mixing spoon or silicone spatula – For gently stirring all the ingredients together right in the baking dish — no extra bowls needed.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Keep your ingredient ratios balanced for that perfectly creamy texture.
• Cheese grater – If you’re shredding mozzarella and parmesan yourself.
• Oven mitts – Always a must for safely removing your hot, bubbling pasta bake from the oven.

How to Make Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake

Step 1 – Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Step 2 – Before you start cooking, take a few minutes to get everything ready. Shred the mozzarella and grate the parmesan cheese, and measure out all of the ingredients.

Step 3 – In your 9×13-inch baking dish, add the orzo, cooked chicken, chicken broth, spinach, cherry tomatoes, heavy cream, half of the mozzarella and parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently stir everything together until evenly coated in the creamy mixture.

Step 4 – Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 5 – Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top, and return to the oven.

Step 6 – Bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.

Step 7 – Remove from the oven and let your creamy chicken orzo bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This short rest time helps the sauce thicken and the flavors come together perfectly.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t skip the rest time – Allowing the pasta to sit for a few minutes helps the sauce thicken and cling to the orzo.

Variations

• Add extra veggies – Stir in peas, sliced zucchini, or chopped broccoli for more color and nutrition.
• Use leftover turkey – A great way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers — simply replace the chicken with cooked turkey.
• Add a little spice – Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a gentle kick of heat.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes – They add a deep, savory-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Garnish before serving – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil brighten the creamy flavors and add a beautiful finishing touch.

How to Store

• Store: Let the chicken orzo bake cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days..

Serving Ideas

• Enjoy it as a main dish – This creamy chicken orzo bake is hearty enough to stand on its own, making it the perfect weeknight comfort meal.
• Add a fresh side salad – Pair it with a simple green salad tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and sea salt to balance the creaminess.
• Serve with crusty bread – A slice of warm sourdough or whole-grain bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Roast some veggies – Serve alongside roasted broccoli, asparagus, or carrots for extra color and nutrients.