Save This One-Pan Creamy Chicken Lasagna Orzo brings together all the classic flavors of lasagna—savory tomato sauce, tender chicken, melted mozzarella, and creamy ricotta—transformed into a quick and comforting skillet dinner. By using orzo pasta, you get the heartiness of an Italian-American staple in a fraction of the time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Save With a 10-minute preparation time and 20 minutes of cooking, this dish is classified as easy and yields 4 satisfying servings. It is a fantastic option for those seeking a main dish that contains poultry but delivers the cheesy satisfaction of a traditional baked pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups (300 g) orzo pasta
- 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz/400 g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (125 g) ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned and nearly cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Step 2
- Add onion to the same skillet and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add orzo to the skillet and toast for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Step 4
- Pour in chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 5
- Return the chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Bring mixture to a simmer.
- Step 6
- Cover and cook for 9–11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 7
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in half the mozzarella and all the Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Step 8
- Dollop ricotta over the top and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Cover and cook for 2–3 more minutes, until cheese is melted.
- Step 9
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure success, use a large deep skillet with a lid. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. Always check cheese labels for rennet and allergens if you have specific dietary sensitivities.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth; adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach provides great texture. You can also substitute the chicken for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Serviervorschläge
This hearty meal pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread. The freshness of the salad balances the rich, cheesy flavors of the orzo.
Save At 560 calories per serving, this One-Pan Creamy Chicken Lasagna Orzo is a complete and satisfying meal. It contains 39g of protein and 54g of carbohydrates, making it a balanced option for any dinner table. Enjoy the classic taste of lasagna without the long wait.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make this with a different type of pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti pieces work well. Adjust cooking time slightly depending on the pasta size—smaller shapes may cook faster, while larger ones might need an extra minute or two of liquid.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. This dish reheats beautifully and actually develops more flavor as it sits. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess if the pasta has absorbed excess liquid.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can substitute about 2½ cups of cooked, shredded chicken. Add it during step 5 when you return the meat to the skillet, reducing the simmering time by 2-3 minutes since the chicken won't need to finish cooking.
- → What vegetables can I add to this dish?
Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers work wonderfully. Add vegetables during step 2 with the onions. For heartier options like zucchini or eggplant, add them with the tomatoes to ensure they cook through properly.
- → Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze before adding the final cheese topping. Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stove, adding the cheeses just before serving.
- → How can I make this vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Consider adding meaty vegetables like portobello mushrooms, extra spinach, or plant-based crumbles to maintain the hearty texture and protein content.