Three Cheese Broccoli and Orzo Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cchicken or mushroom broth
- ½ lborzo pasta
- 1 tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 1onion
chopped
- 8 ozcremini mushrooms
sliced
- 2 cbroccoli florets
chopped
- ¼ cheavy cream
- ¾ cparmesan
freshly grated + more before baking
- ½ cshredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ccheddar cheese
freshly grated or shredded
- 1 cshredded or chopped cooked chicken
can use breast, thigh meat or rotisserie chicken
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease or spray, using non-stick baking spray, a 9 x 13-inch baking casserole dish.
- 2
Using a medium sized saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the broth to a boil. Add the orzo and cook until almost tender, for about 7 minutes, turning the heat down to medium-low once the orzo has been added and mixing occasionally so the orzo does not stick to your saucepan. Most, if not all, of the broth will be absorbed into the orzo. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 3
Using a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and add the onions and saute until tender, for about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and broccoli and continue to saute for about 5 to 6 minutes.
- 4
Turn the heat to low and add in the cooked orzo and any remaining broth. Pour in the heavy cream and the parmesan, mozzarella, cheddar cheese and cooked chicken and mix well to combine everything. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking casserole dish.
- 5
Sprinkle on a little more parmesan over the top if desired and bake until golden and the cheese has melted, for about 20 to 25 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before cutting and serving. Enjoy while hot.
Three Cheese Broccoli and Orzo Casserole
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About this Recipe
Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s both hearty and incredibly flavorful? This Three Cheese Broccoli and Orzo Casserole is a complete meal in one dish, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting family gathering.
What makes this casserole truly special is the harmonious blend of three rich cheeses – Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar – with tender orzo, fresh broccoli, and savory cremini mushrooms. The addition of shredded or chopped cooked chicken makes it a satisfying main course that delivers a wonderful depth of flavor in every bite.
Prepare for a creamy, cheesy delight with every forkful. The orzo pasta bakes up tender, nestled among vibrant broccoli florets and earthy mushrooms. Each bite offers a satisfying mix of textures, from the slight bite of the vegetables to the melt-in-your-mouth chicken, all coated in a rich, velvety sauce. It’s a comforting dish designed to please everyone at the table, offering a familiar warmth with robust, wholesome ingredients.
This versatile casserole welcomes your personal touch. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the cooked chicken, or substitute it with an additional cup of mushrooms or even cannellini beans. You can experiment with different sturdy vegetables like chopped bell peppers or asparagus. If you don't have cremini mushrooms, white button mushrooms work beautifully as well.
Serve this Three Cheese Broccoli and Orzo Casserole hot, straight from the oven, as a complete and satisfying main course. It's ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you crave heartwarming, homestyle cooking.