The Lazy Cook’s One Pan Tuscan Chicken Bake Recipe

Crafting an irresistible one pan Tuscan chicken bake promises a delightful culinary adventure that simplifies dinner preparation.

Aromatic herbs and tender chicken create magic in a single skillet, eliminating multiple dish cleanup.

Mediterranean flavors dance across each succulent bite, bringing warmth to your evening meal.

Rich sun-dried tomatoes and creamy spinach complement the juicy chicken perfectly.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this streamlined recipe that packs incredible taste into minimal steps.

Layers of robust ingredients meld together, producing a comforting dish you’ll want to savor slowly.

Dive into this easy-to-make meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta like small shells or ditalini. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure proper pasta doneness.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This one-pan chicken bake reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for advance meal planning.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Replace regular orzo with gluten-free orzo or rice. Ensure all other ingredients like stock and seasonings are also gluten-free certified.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

Add extra chicken, include cooked shredded rotisserie chicken, or mix in some white beans or chickpeas for additional protein boost.

Tuscan Chicken Bake Key Details

• Simplify Cooking: One-pan magic eliminates multiple dishes and complicated steps, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Nutrition-Packed Meal: Combines protein-rich chicken, nutrient-dense spinach, and hearty orzo for a balanced, wholesome dinner that satisfies multiple food groups.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy texture and Italian-inspired flavors create a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients like adding different vegetables or using alternative cheeses to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.

Tuscan Chicken Bake Ingredient Picks

• Chicken: A hearty protein that adds substance and flavor to the comforting one-pan dish.

• Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy and satisfying texture in the bake.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Cheeses that provide rich, melty goodness and a golden, crispy top layer.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, velvety smoothness to the entire dish.

• Spinach, Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that contribute color, nutrition, and vibrant flavor.
• Garlic: A classic aromatic that adds depth and warmth to the chicken bake.

• Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and intensifies the overall savory profile of the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy note that cuts through the richness.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings traditional Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the other ingredients.

• Non-Stick Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy serving and cleanup.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Cooking Space

Grab your favorite 9×13 inch casserole dish and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray.

This will help prevent any stubborn sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Combine Delicious Ingredients

• Orzo pasta
• Chicken pieces
• Chicken stock
• Heavy cream
• Minced garlic
• Fresh spinach
• Diced tomatoes
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Italian seasoning blend
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together until all ingredients are beautifully blended and coated.

Step 3: Sprinkle Cheesy Goodness

Scatter half of the parmesan and mozzarella cheese across the mixture.

Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 375F (190C).

Let it bake for 40 minutes until the orzo becomes tender and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Enjoy

After removing from the oven, let the dish sit quietly for 10 minutes.

This helps the juices settle and intensifies the flavors.

Gently stir before serving and enjoy your creamy, comforting meal!

Top Tips for Tuscan Chicken Bake

• Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or white fish for a versatile protein option that maintains the dish's creamy texture.
• Adjust chicken stock quantity based on orzo package instructions to prevent dry or overly soggy results.
• Use freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Add roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts to increase nutritional value and create more depth in the one-pan meal.
• Let dish rest exactly 10 minutes after baking to allow orzo to absorb remaining liquids and achieve perfect consistency.

Remixing Tuscan Chicken Bake

• Vegetarian Mediterranean Orzo Bake: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable stock, and add roasted zucchini and eggplant for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Quinoa Variation: Swap orzo with quinoa, use gluten-free stock, and maintain the same creamy texture and herb profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Substitute Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add black beans, corn, and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace orzo with riced cauliflower, use fewer dairy ingredients, and increase protein content with additional chicken or turkey.

Serving Tuscan Chicken Bake Warm

• Tuscan Sunset Dinner Pairing: Serve this creamy chicken bake alongside a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh, zesty contrast.
• Family-Style Comfort: Scoop generous portions into shallow bowls, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and invite everyone to dig into this hearty one-pan meal.
• Wine Companion Delight: Complement the rich flavors with a chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, enhancing the dish's creamy and herbaceous notes.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Offer warm, crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the Tuscan-inspired dining experience.

Tuscan Chicken Bake: Save Some for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the dish cools completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Portion the chicken bake into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken stock to retain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

One Pan Tuscan Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory one pan tuscan chicken bake transports palates straight to Italian countryside kitchens with minimal cleanup. Creamy sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and tender chicken create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 oz (453 grams) dry orzo
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 3 cups (710 milliliters) chicken stock
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) mozzarella, shredded
• 2/3 cup (75 grams) parmesan, shredded

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 3 cups (85 grams) fresh spinach (or 8 oz (226 grams) frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 pint (285 grams) cherry tomatoes, whole or halved
• 5 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (if not using fresh garlic)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray, creating a smooth surface for the meal.
2. Layer orzo, chicken, and aromatic ingredients directly into the dish, carefully mixing chicken stock, cream, garlic, spinach, tomatoes, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to develop a harmonious flavor profile.
3. Distribute half of the parmesan and mozzarella cheese throughout the mixture, ensuring an even, creamy consistency that will meld with the other ingredients.
4. Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top, creating a golden, appetizing surface that will crisp and brown during cooking.
5. Slide the dish into a preheated 375F (190C) oven, allowing the ingredients to bake for 40 minutes until the orzo becomes tender and the cheese transforms into a beautiful golden crust.
6. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes, enabling the flavors to settle and the liquid to be absorbed, creating a rich, cohesive meal.
7. Gently stir the bake before serving, ensuring each portion is infused with the combined flavors and textures of the ingredients.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken stock to control salt levels and customize the dish’s flavor profile.
• Swap fresh spinach with frozen spinach, ensuring thorough draining to prevent excess moisture.
• Opt for gluten-free orzo or quinoa for a celiac-friendly alternative without compromising texture.
• Consider adding protein-packed ingredients like white beans or chickpeas for vegetarian adaptation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 522 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 517 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 94 mg