Introduction

This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and orzo pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner when you want something warm and satisfying without the fuss of traditional pot pie baking.

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Prepare the orzo according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 4: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and whisk continuously to form a paste (roux). Cook this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream until the sauce becomes smooth and thickened.
Step 6: Add the diced chicken, chicken bouillon powder, and cooked orzo to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer until the mixture reaches your desired consistency.
Step 7: Serve the creamy chicken pot pie orzo warm in bowls and enjoy this comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried thyme or parsley to the sauce.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken breasts.
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version, though it will be less rich.
Add frozen peas or mushrooms along with the vegetables for added texture and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce. This dish does not freeze well because the cream sauce may separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, ditalini, or small shells can be good substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

Is it necessary to cook the chicken before adding it to the dish?

Yes, it’s best to fully cook the chicken beforehand to ensure it is safe to eat and to keep the texture tender. Adding raw chicken directly could result in undercooked meat and an uneven texture.

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe

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4.6 from 93 reviews

This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo recipe is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and creamy sauce with tender orzo pasta. Inspired by the traditional chicken pot pie flavors, this recipe offers a quicker, stovetop way to enjoy a rich and satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

8 ounces orzo pasta

Vegetables

2 celery stalks, finely diced
2 carrots, finely diced
½ yellow onion, finely diced

Sauce

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

Cook the Orzo: Prepare the orzo pasta according to the package directions by boiling it in salted water until tender. Drain the cooked orzo and set aside to use later.
Season & Cook the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter together with olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened but still slightly firm, about 5 minutes.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and whisk constantly until a paste forms. Continue cooking the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Make It Creamy: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream until the sauce is smooth and thickened to a creamy consistency.
Combine Everything: Add the diced chicken, chicken bouillon powder, and cooked orzo pasta to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients and allow to simmer gently until the sauce reaches the desired thickness and the flavors meld, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken pot pie orzo into bowls and serve warm for a comforting main dish.

Notes

Use cooked chicken breasts from leftovers or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more broth or cream as needed.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
Vegetables can be customized with peas or mushrooms according to preference.
Ensure to cook orzo fully but avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness in the final dish.

Keywords: Creamy chicken pot pie orzo, chicken pot pie, orzo pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta, comfort food, stovetop chicken recipe