Creamy Chicken Pesto Orzo Bake

When comfort meets convenience, you get a dish like Creamy Chicken Pesto Orzo Bake. This dish is a delightful blend of tender shredded chicken, vibrant pesto, and tender orzo pasta all baked together with creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s an effortless way to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress guests with minimal stress. The marriage of pesto and cheese creates a luscious sauce that coats every grain of orzo, while cherry tomatoes add a pop of freshness and color. Whether you’re a pesto lover or just craving something cozy, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

What Makes This Recipe Special

The Creamy Chicken Pesto Orzo Bake stands out because it combines the best of a pasta bake with the elegant flavors of pesto and creamy sauce. Unlike traditional baked pasta dishes that use heavier noodles, orzo offers a unique texture that’s almost rice-like, absorbing flavors so beautifully. The shredded chicken adds protein and makes it a complete meal, while the blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a golden, bubbling crust that’s irresistible. Plus, the use of fresh basil for garnish adds a burst of herbaceous aroma that elevates this dish from simple to spectacular. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist.

What to Buy

• 2 cups orzo pasta – Small, rice-shaped pasta perfect for baking.
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breast.
• 1 cup pesto sauce – Homemade or store-bought basil pesto works wonderfully.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – For freshness and a slight tang.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – Melty and stretchy cheese topping.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – For aromatic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – To sauté garlic and enhance flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings.
• Fresh basil for garnish – Bright, fresh herb to finish.

Equipment Breakdown

• Large pot – To cook the orzo pasta.
• Large skillet – To sauté garlic and combine ingredients.
• Baking dish (9×13 inch) – To bake the orzo casserole.
• Mixing spoon or spatula – For stirring the sauce and pasta.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To measure ingredients accurately.
• Cheese grater – For shredding mozzarella and grating Parmesan.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Orzo Bake: How It’s Done

Step 1: Cook the Orzo

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-9 minutes. Drain the orzo and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Combine Cream and Pesto

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and pesto sauce. Mix until fully combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Mix in Chicken and Orzo

Add the shredded cooked chicken and cooked orzo to the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy pesto sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the orzo mixture into a greased baking dish. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes evenly over the top. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously across the surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

This dish pairs beautifully with other pasta bakes like the Baked Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta or a creamy option such as the Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Casserole. For a lighter side, consider the refreshing Lemon Basil Orzo Salad With Salmon.

How to Make It Lighter

• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk to reduce fat content.
• Use part-skim mozzarella cheese instead of whole milk mozzarella.
• Increase the amount of cherry tomatoes or add other fresh vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
• Use skinless, boneless chicken breast for leaner protein.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

• Make sure not to overcook the orzo in the boiling water; it will cook further in the oven and can become mushy.
• Using freshly made pesto will elevate the flavor significantly, but good quality store-bought pesto works great for convenience.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
• Leftover baked orzo can be reheated in the microwave or oven; adding a splash of cream or milk helps maintain creaminess.

Best Ways to Store

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out or bake in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze the bake without the fresh basil garnish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Your Top Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes! While orzo works beautifully due to its size and texture, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even elbow macaroni. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes. Simply omit the chicken and consider adding vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichoke hearts to keep it hearty. You might also want to add some chickpeas for protein.

What type of pesto is best for this recipe?

Traditional basil pesto works best because its fresh, herbaceous flavor complements the creamy sauce and chicken perfectly. You can experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto for different flavor profiles.

Serve with These

• Lemon Basil Orzo Salad With Salmon – A fresh, zesty salad to balance the richness of the bake.
• Baked Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta – Another hearty pasta bake with a different flavor profile.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta Casserole – A creamy, comforting side or alternative meal option.
• Simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette – adds freshness and crunch.
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette – perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce.

Let’s Eat

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a warm, cheesy pasta bake fresh from the oven. This Creamy Chicken Pesto Orzo Bake is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or serving friends on the weekend, this dish delivers comfort and flavor without any hassle. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as simple as it is delicious. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil—it’s the final touch that makes this bake shine!

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