Description
A comforting casserole featuring creamy orzo pasta, caramelized onions, chicken, and melted cheese, perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze
Instructions
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20-25 minutes until golden and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic during the last 1-2 minutes.
- Add orzo and toast lightly for about 2 minutes. Then stir in cooked shredded chicken, dried thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if using).
- Pour in chicken broth and cream, bring to a gentle simmer. Cook on low, covered, for about 8-10 minutes until orzo is tender and creamy. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and combined.
Notes
For lighter options, substitute heavy cream with half and half. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: casserole, comfort food, orzo, chicken, french onion