Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake combines fresh, simple ingredients with a creamy, tangy sauce that feels both comforting and light. Featuring tender rotisserie chicken, sautéed veggies, and gluten-free orzo, it's an easy, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. It's a dish that brings together flavor and nutrition without any fuss. ✨🍋🍅

You can also use my chicken thigh recipe for this dish! And for another Italian-inspired chicken dish, try my Chicken Piccata Soup! For more pasta recipes, try my garlic parmesan chicken pasta! For more gluten-free Italian recipes, try my Gluten-Free Chicken Parmesan or Ramp Pesto!

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How to Make a Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Baka

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Rotisserie Chicken chopped
• 1 Cup Orzo I use the Banza brand
• 2 ½ Cups Chicken Broth
• 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes
• 1 Sweet Yellow Onion chopped
• 1 Cup Eggplant cubed
• ½ Cup Fresh Basil chopped
• ½ Cup Sun-dried Tomatoes
• 1 Cup Spinach
• 1 Shallot minced
• 1 Cup Greek Yogurt
• ½ Cup Feta Cheese
• 1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
• 1 Table Italian Seasoning
• 2 Teaspoons Salt

Step-By-Step

Sauté the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan, warm a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add your chopped sweet yellow onion, cubed eggplant, and minced shallot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant. Then, stir in the cherry tomatoes. Let everything cook down for a few more minutes so vegetables are well coated in all that savory, tomatoey flavor. This step builds a flavorful base and gives the final dish that gorgeous depth.

Mix the Sauce Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. This mixture will help the orzo cook and absorb flavor as it bakes. You'll add the Greek yogurt later for the ultimate creamy texture, but for now, keep it out of the skillet-trust the process.

Combine with Orzo and Chicken

To the skillet with your sautéed veggies, stir in the uncooked Banza orzo and chopped rotisserie chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. Pour the seasoned broth mixture over the top and stir well to combine everything evenly. Sprinkle in your chopped fresh basil and give it one final stir. At this point, the mixture will look a little loose, but it will all come together in the oven as the orzo cooks and absorbs the liquid.

Bake to Set the Base

Cover the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the orzo to cook and the mixture to begin thickening. This first bake is essential-it lets everything meld together and gives the orzo just enough time to soften without turning to mush.

Stir in the Creamy Goodness

Once the initial bake is done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and take off the cover. Now's the time to stir in the Greek yogurt. Fold it gently into the orzo mixture until it's evenly distributed, adding a luscious creaminess that takes this dish over the top. Once it's stirred in, smooth out the top with a spatula.

Top and Finish Baking

Sprinkle the remaining crumbled feta over the top for a salty, golden finish. Place the skillet back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final bake helps the flavors meld even more and gives the top a lightly golden, cheesy crust. If you want an extra golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes-but keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn.

Let It Rest and Serve

Once baked to perfection, remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This short rest period allows the orzo to settle and makes scooping easier. Spoon into bowls, garnish with a little more fresh basil or extra feta if you'd like, and dig in. It's warm, creamy, lemony, and packed with everything you want in a cozy but healthful pasta bake.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Gluten-Free Goodness: Made with Banza orzo, it's perfect for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing taste.
• One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
• Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with vegetables like spinach, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes.
• Quick & Easy: Using rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences.

Ingredient Substitutions & Dietary Notes

• Gluten-Free: Banza orzo is a chickpea-based pasta that's gluten-free and high in protein. Ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt, and use dairy-free feta.
• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the flavor profile.
• Don't Overcook Orzo: Since it's baked, slightly undercook the orzo during the initial sauté to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular orzo instead of Banza?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that regular orzo contains gluten, so the dish won't be gluten-free if you swap it out.

How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the baked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What other vegetables work well in this bake?
Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even asparagus would be great additions to boost the veggie factor.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Definitely! Substitute the Greek yogurt with a coconut or almond-based yogurt and use dairy-free feta alternatives.

How can I add more protein to this dish?
Adding extra rotisserie chicken, chickpeas, or even a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese can boost the protein content.

Is this dish spicy?
No, it's not spicy by default, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little heat.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh when you're ready to eat.

Enjoy!

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake is a straightforward, flavorful dish that comes together with minimal effort. The bright lemon and fresh veggies keep it light, while the creamy sauce makes it comforting and satisfying. It's a versatile recipe that works well for busy nights or meal prepping, and it's easy to adapt based on what you have on hand. I hope you give it a try and make it your own.

Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy

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