Description
Rich and comforting one-pan dish featuring caramelized onions, shredded chicken, and tender orzo in creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with golden melted mozzarella for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp salt
3 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups orzo pasta
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
½ tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp black pepper
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze
Instructions
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Caramelize onions: In a large oven‑safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter and oil over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, and salt. Cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes more until fragrant.
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Toast orzo: Stir in orzo and cook 2 minutes to lightly toast. Add shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Combine well.
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Simmer pasta: Pour in chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
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Add cheese: Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and all the Parmesan until melted and creamy.
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Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle remaining ½ cup mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered 10–15 minutes until top is golden and bubbly.
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Serve: Let sit 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
Notes
Cook onions slowly for deep caramelization.
Toast orzo for nutty flavor. Stir cheese gently for smooth, creamy sauce.
Add broth if orzo thickens too much before baking.
Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days; freeze pre-bake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Stovetop & Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 640
- Fat: 27
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 145
Keywords: french onion chicken pasta, chicken orzo casserole, creamy baked chicken orzo, one pot chicken casserole, caramelized onion pasta bake