One-Pan Chicken Orzo Bake

If you’re searching for a delicious, nutritious and easy-to-make dinner, our One-Pan Chicken Orzo Bake is the perfect recipe for you. This chicken orzo bake is packed with flavors and nutrients, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome family meal. Not only is it straightforward to prepare, but it also fits perfectly into your healthy meal plan.

Losing weight on Nutrisystem? Each serving counts as one SmartCarb, two PowerFuels and two Vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Orzo Bake

This chicken and orzo bake combines tender chicken, wholesome whole wheat orzo and a variety of fresh vegetables, all baked together in one pan for a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to clean up. The combination of crushed tomatoes, spinach and a hint of red pepper flakes creates a rich and savory dish with just the right amount of heat. The addition of part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheese makes it creamy and comforting, without being overly indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this baked orzo chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• an onion
• garlic cloves
• a sliced zucchini
• olive oil
• a pinch of red pepper flakes
• oregano
• black pepper
• whole wheat orzo
• canned crushed tomatoes
• part-skim ricotta cheese
• grilled, boiled or rotisserie chicken
• vegetable broth or water
• fresh spinach
• shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

How to Make Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake

Preparation and Roasting

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Start by combining the chopped onion, garlic and zucchini with olive oil, red pepper flakes, oregano and a sprinkle of black pepper in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Roast this mixture for about 10 minutes to bring out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and create a flavorful base for your bake.

Combining Ingredients

Once the vegetables are roasted, add the whole wheat orzo, crushed tomatoes, part-skim ricotta cheese, chicken and vegetable broth or water to the same baking dish. Stir everything together until well combined. Gently mix in the chopped spinach, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the dish. The spinach will wilt slightly as it bakes, adding a lovely green color and additional nutrients.

Baking to Perfection

Top the mixture with shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This initial baking phase allows the orzo to absorb the flavors and cook to a perfect texture. After 20 minutes, remove the cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final step helps the cheese to melt and form a golden, bubbly crust on top.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken orzo pasta bake is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Fresh Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the bake.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, crusty garlic bread makes a perfect accompaniment for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair with additional roasted vegetables, like bell peppers or asparagus, for a more substantial meal.

Tips for the Best Chicken Orzo Bake

• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, mushrooms or cherry tomatoes would be great additions.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder dish, use less or omit them entirely.
• Cheese Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute the mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile.

This One-Pan Chicken Orzo Bake is a versatile and delicious dish that brings together the best of wholesome ingredients in an easy, one-pan preparation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and comforting without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Try this recipe today and enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy, fitting perfectly into your weight loss plan.