Description
A comforting one-pan casserole featuring caramelized onions, tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a creamy sauce topped with bubbling cheese.
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 (rotisserie is ideal)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter version)
- 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, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Stir in the orzo and cook for another 2 minutes to lightly toast it. Then, add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if you’re using it. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Add the chicken broth and cream to the mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender.
- Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep mixing until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
For a lighter option, swap heavy cream for half and half. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: casserole, chicken, orzo, comfort food, quick meal