Description
A comforting and creamy casserole featuring caramelized onions, shredded chicken, and orzo pasta, topped with melted 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
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
- 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, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onions, sugar, and salt, then caramelize for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the orzo pasta and toast for 2 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken, thyme, and black pepper, mixing well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, and bake for 10-15 minutes.
- Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
Notes
Feel free to customize with seasonal twists and different protein or vegetable options for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg