This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a warm, comforting dish with tiny pasta, tender chicken, and colorful veggies all wrapped in a rich, creamy sauce. Yum!
I love how this recipe makes me feel like a chef, even though it’s super easy! Plus, the leftovers are just as good, so I always make extra for lunch! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs are great, but you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just shred it and add it during the last cooking stages to warm it through.
Vegetables: The mix of carrots, peas, and corn is classic, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand! Green beans or diced bell peppers work well too.
Orzo: While orzo gives a nice texture, you can substitute with other small pasta like ditalini or macaroni if you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking times!
Dairy: I love using milk for creaminess, but heavy cream will make it even richer. For a lighter option, try low-fat milk or a non-dairy substitute like almond milk.
How Can I Ensure My Orzo is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking orzo just right can sometimes be tricky. Follow these simple steps for tender, flavorful orzo every time:
- Always cook orzo in the creamy mixture, so it absorbs those delicious flavors while becoming tender.
- Keep the heat at medium to avoid overcooking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check for doneness around the 8-minute mark; you want it al dente. A little bite is perfect since it’ll finish cooking off the heat.
These tips help take your Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo to the next level, ensuring every bite is just as delicious as it looks!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) milk or heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups (270g) orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying your creamy chicken pot pie orzo in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season it with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook these veggies for about 5 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant.
3. Add Flour:
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat them. This helps thicken the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to get rid of that raw flour taste.
4. Make the Sauce:
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk (or heavy cream), stirring continuously to make sure there are no lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. It will begin to thicken nicely!
5. Cook the Orzo:
Add the orzo pasta, dried thyme, and rosemary to the pot. Stir well, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
6. Combine Everything:
Now, stir in the cooked chicken, frozen peas, and corn. Allow it to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through and the veggies are nice and tender.
7. Season and Serve:
Give the dish a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. When you’re happy with the flavor, remove it from the heat.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your creamy chicken pot pie orzo hot, garnished with some chopped fresh parsley if you’d like. Enjoy this cozy, comforting meal!
This dish perfectly combines the cozy flavors of a classic chicken pot pie into a creamy orzo pasta meal, making it ideal for a hearty weeknight dinner!
FAQ for Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly here. Just shred it and add it to the dish during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through.
What Can I Substitute for Orzo?
If you don’t have orzo on hand, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbows, or even couscous. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the recipe ingredients should be fine, but always double-check labels to ensure they are gluten-free.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
