Cheesy Chicken Orzo Casserole
A comforting and filling dish, Cheesy Chicken Orzo Casserole combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, making it perfect for busy nights and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 2 cups orzo pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
Broth and Cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until onion is translucent.
- Add diced chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in broccoli, cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the orzo and mix with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Fold gently to keep the orzo's shape.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, use fresh garlic, and adjust salt before baking. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice, or serve with warm buttered bread on the side. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g
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