Description
One Pan Chicken Caprese Orzo Bake is a simple, satisfying, and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines juicy chicken breasts, tender orzo pasta, fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil all baked together in one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a comforting and fresh Mediterranean twist with minimal cleanup and beautiful layers of taste and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Pasta
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dairy
- 6 oz fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
Liquids & Oils
- 2 cups chicken broth or stock
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides but not fully cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and toast orzo: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the dry orzo pasta and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes to develop a nutty flavor.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the halved cherry tomatoes. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the orzo absorb some liquid and the tomatoes begin to soften, about 4-5 minutes.
- Combine and bake: Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the orzo mixture. Scatter torn mozzarella pieces evenly over the skillet. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, the orzo is tender, and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Finish with fresh basil: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle fresh torn basil leaves over the top. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly.
Notes
- Sear the chicken well to develop a golden crust and keep the meat juicy.
- Use fresh cherry tomatoes and basil for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the orzo; it should be tender but not mushy as it continues to absorb liquid while resting.
- An oven-safe skillet simplifies cooking and cleanup, as you go directly from stovetop to oven.
- Let the dish rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld and improve texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: chicken, orzo, caprese, one-pan, easy dinner, Italian, baked pasta, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil
