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–+ servings

Creamy Caramelized Onion Chicken Orzo Bake with Gruyère

A warm, creamy pasta bake featuring caramelized onions, tender orzo, and a blend of Gruyère and mozzarella cheese, perfect for cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Onion and Pasta Base
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
Chicken and Cream Mixture
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (leftover or rotisserie works well)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Cheese Topping
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère-style cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
  • to taste chopped fresh parsley or thyme (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook slowly for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and richly golden.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking and cook just until fragrant.
  4. Add the dry orzo and onion powder to the pan. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes so the pasta lightly toasts and absorbs flavor.
  5. Mix in the shredded chicken, dried thyme, and black pepper, ensuring everything is blended well.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  7. Stir in the shredded Gruyère-style cheese, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Mix until the cheese melts into a creamy dream.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top and transfer the skillet to the oven.
  2. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
  3. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 650mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of broth to keep it creamy.

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