Monterey Chicken One Pan Orzo

Ingredients:

• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 16 ounces sour cream
• 2.5 cups chicken stock
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves (or 1 (10-ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed)
• 16 ounces dry orzo
• 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
2. Combine wet ingredients: In the casserole dish, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken stock, garlic, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
3. Add vegetables, pasta, and cheese: Stir in spinach, chicken, half of the cheese, and orzo. Make sure everything is evenly combined.
4. Top and bake: Top with the remaining cheese and a layer of crispy fried onions. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

Notes:

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
• You can customize the vegetables in this dish by adding other favorites like mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper.
• To make this recipe ahead of time, prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator. Bake when ready to serve.

Keywords: creamy chicken casserole, orzo, spinach, chicken, cheese, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Chicken Orzo Casserole!