Can I use other pasta instead of orzo?

You could, but orzo really gives that perfect creamy texture. Short pastas like ditalini or small shells might work, but you’ll need to adjust liquid amounts and baking time.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can make a quick substitute using chicken broth thickened with a bit of flour and cream—it won’t be identical, but it’ll still taste amazing.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble it up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great swap—it adds a similar tang and creaminess.

Creamy Chicken Orzo Casserole – Comfort Food Made Simple & Delicious

Description

Say goodbye to kitchen chaos and hello to creamy comfort in a single dish! This cozy Monterey Chicken–inspired One-Pan Orzo is the weeknight dinner dream — everything bakes together in one casserole, and cleanup’s a breeze. No stovetop juggling, no sink full of pans, just creamy, cheesy deliciousness ready to serve in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup with herbs
1 (16 oz) container sour cream
2½ cups chicken stock
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning (see note below)
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
3 cups fresh spinach leaves, torn (or 1 (10 oz) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained)
16 oz dry orzo pasta
3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 (6 oz) can crispy fried onions

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Instructions

Get Ready to Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or a quick spray of nonstick cooking oil.
Mix the Creamy Base
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken stock. Add the minced garlic, seasoning blend, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s silky smooth — no lumps allowed!
Add the Good Stuff
- Stir in the spinach, shredded chicken, dry orzo, and about half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix gently to coat everything evenly in that rich, creamy sauce.
Top It Off
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top, then finish with a generous layer of crispy fried onions for that irresistible golden crunch.
Bake to Perfection
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the edges are bubbling away.
Cool & Serve
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to scoop and serve.

Notes

Homemade All-Purpose Seasoning (Optional but Delicious): Mix together 2 teaspoons paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper. Use this flavorful blend in place of store-bought seasoning for a smoky, savory kick that brings everything together.
Serving Tip : Pair this creamy orzo casserole with a crisp green salad and a slice of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal. It’s hearty, cozy, and absolutely family-approved!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner

Nutrition

Calories: 485 kcal
Fat: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 51 g
Protein: 22 g