Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo Casserole with tender chicken, soft orzo, and a smooth pesto cream sauce baked until warm and balanced.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken
1 cup orzo
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup cream
1/3 cup pesto
1 cup mozzarella
1/2 cup parmesan
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil over medium heat and cook garlic briefly until fragrant without browning
2. Add uncooked orzo and stir for about 1 minute to lightly toast and improve texture
3. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 5–6 minutes until orzo begins to soften but is not fully cooked
4. Stir in cream and pesto, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and evenly combined
5. Add cooked chicken and mix well so everything is coated in the sauce
6. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly
7. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until the top is melted, lightly golden, and bubbling at the edges
8. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set properly
Notes
Toasting the orzo helps prevent it from becoming too soft after baking
Add liquid gradually if the mixture looks too thick before baking
Use moderate heat when combining cream and pesto to keep the sauce smooth
Reheat with added broth or milk to restore the creamy texture without drying out
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Creamy Pesto Chicken Orzo Casserole