Description
A creamy, comforting one-dish meal with caramelized onions, tender chicken, and orzo pasta in a savory cheesy sauce.
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 onions, sugar, and salt. Cook 20 to 25 minutes until deeply golden. Stir in garlic during the last 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add orzo and toast for 2 minutes. Stir in shredded chicken, thyme, pepper, and optional Worcestershire.
- Pour in chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat, cover, and cook 8 to 10 minutes until orzo is tender.
- Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top and bake uncovered 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cook onions slowly for best caramelized flavor.
- Do not overcook orzo before baking.
- Add a splash of broth when reheating leftovers for creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg