One Pan Chicken Caprese Orzo Bake

Imagine a weeknight dinner that tastes like it belongs at a cozy Italian trattoria but comes together in under an hour with just one pan. That’s exactly what this One Pan Chicken Caprese Orzo Bake delivers. Tender, seasoned chicken breasts nestle on a bed of orzo pasta, bathed in a garlicky tomato sauce, topped with melty mozzarella, and finished with fresh basil — every bite is bright, comforting, and utterly irresistible.

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Instead of juggling multiple pots, you bake everything together, letting the flavors meld in the oven while your kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma of garlic, tomato, and bubbling cheese. The juicy chicken, soft orzo, and fresh Caprese flavors make it feel fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a cozy Italian-inspired dinner, this one pan Caprese orzo bake is about to become your go-to.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal cleanup: One pan, no fuss.
2. Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour, including prep time.
3. Kid-friendly and hearty: Protein-packed with tender chicken and cheese.
4. Full of fresh flavors: Juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic elevate the dish.
5. Meal prep-friendly: Makes excellent leftovers or can be portioned for lunches.

If you love easy Italian pasta dishes and cozy weeknight dinners, this Caprese orzo bake is perfect for your repertoire.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Orzo and Sauce:

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Optional: drizzle of balsamic glaze for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish with olive oil.

2. Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken dry and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove and set aside — it will finish cooking in the oven.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches if necessary to get a nice golden crust.

3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook 3–5 minutes until tomatoes start to soften and release juices.

Pro Tip: Gently press some tomatoes with a spoon to release even more flavor for the sauce.

4. Add Orzo and Broth

Stir in 1 cup of orzo and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Mix to coat. Pour in 1 ½ cups chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a simmer.

Pro Tip: The orzo will absorb most of the liquid in the oven, so don’t overcook it on the stovetop.

5. Layer Chicken and Cheese

Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the orzo mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.

6. Bake Until Bubbling

Transfer the skillet (or baking dish) to the preheated oven. Bake 20–25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F / 74°C internal temperature) and cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Add Fresh Basil and Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness!

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Tips for Success

1. Use chicken breasts of even thickness for uniform cooking; pound if needed.
2. Fresh cherry tomatoes are key — they provide sweetness and burstiness in the sauce.
3. Reserve some cheese for topping after baking if you like extra gooey cheese.
4. Check the orzo before baking: it should be partially cooked in the sauce to absorb flavors fully.
5. Meal prep: Store in airtight containers and reheat with a splash of broth to keep the pasta moist.

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Variations & Substitutions

• Protein swaps: Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Vegetarian version: Skip chicken, add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free orzo or a short pasta like rice pasta.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture before baking.
• Extra cheesy: Stir in ricotta or mozzarella cubes for a creamier texture.

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What to Serve With

• Simple green salad: Arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette.
• Garlic bread or focaccia: Perfect for soaking up the tomato sauce.
• Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers pair beautifully.
• A light white wine: Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the fresh Caprese flavors.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Microwave gently or reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to revive creaminess.

Pro Tip: Add fresh basil after reheating to maintain bright flavor.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving, 4 servings)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 38 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 720 mg

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking chicken — it will dry out; use a thermometer for perfect results.
2. Skipping the sear — gives the chicken flavor and color.
3. Not pressing tomatoes — prevents them from releasing maximum flavor.
4. Overcooking orzo before baking — it can become mushy.
5. Forgetting fresh basil — it’s the bright finishing touch!

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FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before searing.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the tomato-orzo mixture in advance and add chicken and cheese right before baking.

Q3: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, 14 oz diced tomatoes work. Drain excess liquid for the right consistency.

Q4: Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes! Mild, cheesy, and flavorful without overpowering spices.

Q5: Can I add other veggies?
Yes — spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be stirred in before baking.

Q6: How do I make it extra cheesy?
Mix in mozzarella or Parmesan into the orzo before topping with chicken.

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Conclusion

This One Pan Chicken Caprese Orzo Bake is the perfect combination of fresh Italian flavors, creamy melted cheese, and tender chicken — all in a single dish. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining.

Once you try it, this will become a regular in your dinner rotation — quick, colorful, flavorful, and utterly comforting.

If you loved this, try my One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta next — they’re equally cozy and full of flavor!