Creamy Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake Recipe For Weaning
Table of Contents
Chicken and Orzo Bake
Chicken and orzo pasta bake is an excellent meal choice for babies as it combines nutritious ingredients in a soft, easily manageable form. The tender chicken provides a good source of protein essential for growth and development, while orzo pasta is a lovely option, being small and easy for little hands to grasp.
This dish offers vitamins and minerals that support overall health. The creamy texture of the bake ensures that it’s gentle on your baby’s palate, making it a comforting meal that encourages self-feeding and exposes them to new flavours and textures.
Gluten Free Orzo Pasta
Yes, gluten-free orzo pasta is available and can be a great alternative for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Made from ingredients such as rice flour, corn flour, or quinoa, gluten-free orzo replicates the shape and texture of traditional orzo, allowing you to enjoy a variety of dishes without compromising on taste or consistency.
When shopping, be sure to check the packaging to ensure the product is certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination. This versatile pasta can be used in salads, soups, or as a side dish, making it a great option for family meals.
Is Orzo Rice or Pasta
Orzo is a type of pasta dish that resembles rice in shape and texture, making it a versatile ingredient in various dishes. Originating from Italy, it is often used in soups, salads, and side dishes, offering a delightful chewiness that complements many flavours.
Orzo is made from durum wheat semolina, which contributes to its firm consistency when cooked. As a wonderful option for baby-led weaning, orzo can be enjoyed by little ones due to its manageable size and ability to absorb flavours from accompanying ingredients.
It can be paired with vegetables, protein sources, or sauces, making it a nutritious choice for babies and toddlers.
Ingredient information
Olive oil - I have used an extra virgin olive oil, but you could use unsalted butter or avocado oil instead if you prefer.
Onion - I have used a red onion but you could use a yellow onion or a couple of banana shallots.
Garlic - I have used fresh garlic, but you could use garlic powder or garlic granules. You will only need 2 teaspoons of either or those.
Chicken - I have used skinless chicken breasts but you could use chicken tenders or boneless chicken thighs.
Passata - I have used a passata as i really wanted a smooth sauce. You could use tinned chopped tomatoes if you wish. You will probably need 2 400g tins. You could add a few sun-dried tomatoes if you like.
Tomato paste - I have used tomato paste to add a rich tomato sauce flavour. You could leave this step out if you so wish.
Mixed herbs - Feel free to add your favourite dried herb, such as Italian seasoning or oregano.§
Basil - I have used dried basil, but you could use fresh herbs such as fresh basil if you wish. If using fresh basil, stir through the basil leaves as the final step of the recipe.
Paprika - I love adding paprika to tomato based sauces. Adds extra flavour and yumminess to the tomato sauce.
Black pepper - I have added black pepper without the salt. A little seasoning for the tomato based sauce.
Creme fraiche - The creme fraiche adds such a tasty finish to the sauce to make a creamy yummy sauce.
Orzo - I have used orzo, feel free to use your favourite pasta.
Cheese - I have used mozzarella and red Leicester cheese to make a tasty cheesy creamy sauce.
Serving suggestion
The creamy chicken orzo recipe would be great served with tender stem broccoli or cucumber batons. Feel free to add in a little baby spinach for extra greens and yumminess.
This recipe is great for busy weeknights using simple ingredients. Chicken dinners just got tasty.
Other recipes you may like: Spaghetti bolognaise, Easy tomato sauce or Aubergine and courgette pasta.
Storage instructions
The pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container, or you could use a container with plastic wrap to cover the pasta.
If you wanted to freeze the pasta, you will need to store in an airtight container.
Make sure the pasta has cooled to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container to the freezer.
To defrost the pasta leave in the fridge overnight, and make sure it has fully defrosted.
To reheat the pasta, transfer to a preheated oven on 180C or 350F and reheat on a medium-high heat.
Once the pasta has been defrosted and reheated you will not be able to re-freeze.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Large baking dish - The design of this ovenproof dish allows for self-basting and will keep the food moist. It also has a non-stick coating, so is easy to clean!
Saucepan - So many pan sets out there but I particularly like to use pans with a non-stick surface for ease of cleaning and ones that are suitable for different types of hob surface.
Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.
Recipe | Creamy Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake Recipe For Weaning
Creamy Chicken Orzo Pasta Bake Recipe For Weaning
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 180C or 350F. Boil the pasta on the hob for 10 minutes or as per the packet instructions, do not worry too much if the pasta has a little bite to it, as it will be transferred to the oven.
- Add the olive oil to a large oven proof saucepan - think wok size (if you do not have an oven proof saucepan set aside a 9x9 inch baking dish) Add in the diced onions and cook on a medium heat for 10 minutes.
- Add in the chicken and the grated garlic and cook for a further 10 minutes until the chicken is starting to brown.
- next add in the passata, tomato paste, mixed herbs, basil, paprika and black pepper with 100ml water and stir.
- Drain the pasta and add to the tomato sauce and cooked chicken. Spoon in the creme fraiche and carefully stir together. Do not worry if the sauce seems liquidy the pasta will soak this up!
- Transfer the pasta and creamy sauce to a baking dish if using, if you are keeping in the large saucepan, sprinkle over the red Leicester cheese and mozzarella and pop into the oven. The cooking time is 20-25 minutes until the cheese has melted and golden brown.
- Leave to cool before serving the creamy orzo to your baby.
Notes
To make this comfort food recipe dairy free or vegan, all you will need to do is swap out the creme fraiche for a vegan creme fraiche or you could use a plant based double cream.
Swap the cheeses for plant based alternatives too. A great recipe for the whole family.
Try stirring through fresh baby spinach for extra nutrition for this delicious recipe for this one-pan meal.
©The Petit Spoon
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