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One Pan Orzo with Monterey Chicken, a delicious and easy meal preparation.

Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo

A creamy and cheesy dish featuring tender chicken and vibrant spinach over orzo pasta, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Creamy Base
  • 10.5 oz cream of chicken with herbs, condensed (not diluted) You can make a homemade version if preferred.
  • 16 oz sour cream Full-fat recommended, can substitute with Greek yogurt.
  • 2.5 cups chicken stock Low-sodium option works well.
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic preferred for better flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning Longhorn Prairie Dust or your favorite seasoning.
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, torn Can use 10 oz frozen, thawed and squeezed dry.
  • 16 oz dry orzo, uncooked Rice-shaped pasta.
  • 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated, divided Reserve half for topping.
  • 6 oz French's crispy fried onions For topping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish generously with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
  2. In the prepared casserole dish, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken stock. Add the minced garlic, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Whisk until completely smooth with no lumps remaining.
Mix Ingredients
  1. Stir in the torn spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, and dry orzo pasta. Add half of the grated Monterey Jack cheese, reserving the rest for topping. Mix thoroughly, ensuring the orzo is fully submerged in the liquid.
Bake
  1. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Add the entire can of crispy fried onions evenly on top, then cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  2. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top turns golden brown and bubbly.
Serve
  1. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken slightly and the orzo firm up.

Notes

For best results, ensure the orzo is adequately submerged. Consider sautéing minced garlic for added flavor. Broil for an extra crispy topping if desired.