Chicken Orzo Bake with Spinach & Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or chicken breast, cubed
• 1½ cups dry orzo pasta
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with a little olive oil and set aside.

In a large bowl, add the cubed chicken along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.

Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden on the outside. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked because it will finish baking in the oven.

Add the dry orzo pasta to the prepared baking dish. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the cooked chicken mixture. Add the chopped spinach and cherry tomatoes, mixing gently so everything is evenly distributed. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top, then cover the dish tightly with foil.

Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and stir the orzo to prevent sticking. If the mixture looks too thick, add a splash of warm broth. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and return the dish to the oven uncovered.

Bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. The orzo should be tender and creamy, and the chicken fully cooked.

Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for extra flavor and freshness.

This Chicken Orzo Bake is cozy, hearty, and packed with Mediterranean-style flavors. The juicy chicken, creamy orzo, sweet roasted tomatoes, and wilted spinach create a comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Serve warm with a crisp salad or toasted bread on the side.