Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting twist on the classic pot pie. Combining tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and orzo pasta in a rich, creamy sauce, it makes a satisfying one-pot meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces orzo pasta
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• ½ yellow onion, finely diced
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the cooked chicken with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced celery, carrots, and onion, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the flour to coat the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add chicken bouillon powder and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Step 6: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the heavy whipping cream to create a rich, creamy sauce.
7. Step 7: Fold in the seasoned cooked chicken, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
8. Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy chicken pot pie orzo!

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but reduce the amount slightly to maintain thickness.
• Add frozen peas or green beans in step 2 for extra veggies and color.
• For extra richness, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use cooked chicken to ensure the chicken remains tender and the orzo cooks evenly. If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly first before adding to the dish.

Is orzo the only pasta that works for this recipe?

Orzo is ideal for this creamy dish due to its small size and texture, but you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells if needed.

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 126 reviews

This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal combining tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and orzo pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. Inspired by classic chicken pot pie flavors, this recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a delicious, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for weeknights.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Vegetables

• 8 ounces orzo pasta
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• ½ yellow onion, finely diced

Cooking Fats and Liquids

• 5 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder

Thickening Agent

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Cook the chicken breasts until fully done, then dice into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
2. Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet or pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add seasonings and flour: Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the flour over vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook the flour mixture for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste.
4. Incorporate liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and chicken bouillon powder to create a smooth sauce, followed by the heavy cream. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens.
5. Add orzo and chicken: Stir in the orzo pasta and diced chicken. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and creamy, about 12-15 minutes. Add additional broth or water if needed to prevent sticking.
6. Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot as a hearty and creamy chicken pot pie inspired dinner.

Notes

• For extra flavor, consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary during the sautéing step.
• You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Use cooked rotisserie chicken for a speedier prep time.
• Make sure to stir the orzo regularly while cooking to avoid it sticking to the pan.
• This dish can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

Keywords: creamy chicken pot pie, orzo pasta, one-pot meal, comfort food, chicken dinner