Description
A comforting baked casserole combining rich flavors and creamy textures, featuring caramelized onions and toasted orzo.
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
- Melt butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt; cook for 20–25 minutes until onions are deeply golden and sweet.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in orzo and toast for about 2 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken, thyme, and black pepper, mixing well.
- Pour in chicken broth and cream; bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C); sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with a green salad or crusty bread. Can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg