Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo Bake
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo Bake is a cozy, high-protein one-pan dinner made with cottage cheese, pesto, juicy chicken thighs, and orzo. A perfect meal prep-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.
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SERVINGS: 6
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup dry orzo
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup pesto store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or bone broth
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup spinach or chopped zucchini
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt pepper, olive oil
Instructions
Enable step-by-step mode- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet, add orzo, blended cottage cheese, spinach (or chopped zucchini), pesto, broth, parmesan, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Nestle the raw chicken thighs into the orzo mixture. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season the tops with salt and pepper.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, until the orzo is tender, the sauce is creamy, and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Optional: top with extra parmesan or a spoonful of pesto.