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# **Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake: A Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Dish**
If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious, this **Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake** is the perfect recipe. Packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked orzo, this dish is a fantastic weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
This **one-pan meal** is simple to put together, making it great for busy nights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, with its **golden, cheesy top and rich flavors**, it’s bound to become a new comfort food favorite!
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## **Why You’ll Love This Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake**
✔ **One-Pan Wonder** – Fewer dishes to clean up!
✔ **Rich and Creamy** – A cheesy, comforting meal with every bite.
✔ **Family-Friendly** – Kids and adults alike will love this recipe.
✔ **Easy to Customize** – Add veggies, swap proteins, or tweak seasonings to your taste.
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## **Ingredients for Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake**
### **For the Base:**
– 2 cups **cooked chicken**, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
– 1 ½ cups **orzo pasta**
– 1 small **onion**, finely chopped
– 2 cloves **garlic**, minced
– 1 tablespoon **olive oil**
– 2 cups **chicken broth**
– 1 cup **heavy cream** (or whole milk for a lighter version)
– ½ cup **grated Parmesan cheese**
– 1 teaspoon **Italian seasoning**
– ½ teaspoon **salt**
– ½ teaspoon **black pepper**
### **For the Topping:**
– 1 cup **shredded mozzarella cheese**
– ½ cup **cheddar cheese** (optional, for extra flavor)
– ¼ cup **breadcrumbs** (for a crispy topping)
– 1 tablespoon **butter**, melted
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## **How to Make Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake**
### **Step 1: Preheat and Prep**
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Grease a **9×13-inch baking dish** or any large oven-safe pan.
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### **Step 2: Cook the Orzo and Aromatics**
1. In a large skillet, heat **olive oil** over medium heat.
2. Add the **chopped onion** and **garlic**, cooking until soft and fragrant (about **2-3 minutes**).
3. Stir in the **orzo pasta**, letting it toast lightly for about **1 minute**—this enhances its flavor.
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### **Step 3: Combine the Ingredients**
1. Pour in the **chicken broth** and **heavy cream**, stirring well to combine.
2. Season with **Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper**.
3. Add the **cooked chicken** and **Parmesan cheese**, mixing everything together.
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### **Step 4: Assemble the Bake**
1. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the top with **mozzarella and cheddar cheese**.
3. In a small bowl, mix **breadcrumbs** with melted butter, then sprinkle over the top for a crispy, golden crust.
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### **Step 5: Bake to Perfection**
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for **20-25 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust on top.
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**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**
Let the bake rest for **5 minutes** before serving. Garnish with fresh **parsley or basil** for extra color and flavor. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
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