Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta? Look no further! This Chicken and Swiss Orzo Casserole is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. With its rich, satisfying flavors and easy preparation, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that's both comforting and impressive.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. You can do this in a steamer basket or microwave. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup and milk. Whisk together until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add the cooked orzo, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli florets, and half of the shredded Swiss cheese to the soup mixture. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring even distribution of seasoning.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese over the top of the casserole, creating an even layer.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken or seasoning your chicken with herbs before shredding.
- Make sure to not overcook the orzo - aim for al dente to prevent a mushy texture in the final dish.
- If you want to add more vegetables, try mixing in some diced carrots or peas for additional nutrition and color.
- Use freshly shredded Swiss cheese for the best melting quality and flavor, rather than pre-shredded cheese.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, consider adding breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before the final cheese layer.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking - just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time if going from cold.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
