Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo combines the comforting flavors of a classic pot pie with tender orzo pasta for a quick, satisfying meal. It’s a cozy dish perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty yet simple.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Add the orzo pasta to the simmering liquid. Stir frequently, cooking until the orzo is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid, about 8-10 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in the cooked chicken and any optional herbs. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Swap in your favorite vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for variety.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
- Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra richness.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables for this dish?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well and can be added directly to the pan. Just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully heated through.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a plant-based milk thickened with a little cornstarch for creaminess.
PrintCreamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal that blends tender chicken, delicate orzo pasta, and vibrant vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it delivers all the flavors of a classic chicken pot pie in a quick and easy stovetop dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Pasta
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Fats & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice or shred the cooked chicken and chop the vegetables if not pre-cut. Mince the garlic and dice the onion to have all ingredients ready.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the mixed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Cook Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta to coat it with butter and vegetables. Toast the orzo slightly for about 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes or until the orzo is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the cream. If you prefer a thicker sauce, sprinkle in the flour gradually while stirring to avoid lumps. Continue cooking gently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Chicken and Heat Through: Add the cooked chicken into the pan, stirring well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and all flavors are well blended.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Frozen mixed vegetables can be used and added directly without thawing.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- This dish can be garnished with fresh parsley or thyme for added flavor and color.
- Make sure to stir frequently while simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking to the pan.
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Pot Pie, Orzo Pasta, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal, Chicken Dinner
