Description
Tuscan Chicken Orzo Bake is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal combining tender chicken, smoked turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, fresh herbs, and orzo pasta. This easy-to-prepare bake offers a rich, savory, and creamy texture perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, delivering a satisfying meal bursting with smoky, herbaceous, and tangy accents.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Meats
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. In the same skillet, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Allow to cool slightly, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Vegetables and Build the Base: Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add fresh spinach, rosemary, and thyme, stirring gently until the spinach wilts just slightly, forming a flavorful Tuscan base.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients and Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the orzo pasta and plant-based cheese, stirring continuously to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and mix well to ensure it will thicken during baking.
- Assemble and Bake: Return the shredded chicken and cooked smoked turkey bacon to the skillet or transfer all contents to a wide baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly and sprinkle extra plant-based cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and golden.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as rosemary or thyme before serving to add a fresh aromatic touch.
Notes
- Use warm chicken broth to help the orzo cook evenly and reduce baking time.
- Do not overcook the orzo before baking; slightly undercooked orzo will finish cooking in the oven.
- Finely chop herbs to maximize their flavor release throughout the dish.
- Allow the bake to rest after baking to thicken the sauce and meld flavors beautifully.
- Utilize a wide baking dish to ensure even heat distribution for a consistent texture and golden top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Tuscan chicken, orzo bake, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, creamy pasta bake, family dinner, comforting meal
