CHICKEN POT PIE ORZO!

Picture this: a chilly evening, a craving for something utterly comforting, but a desire for a dish that’s just a *little* bit different. Forget rolling out pie crust! We’re taking all the cozy goodness of chicken pot pie and turning it into a ridiculously delicious Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo – Comfort Food Twist. Get ready to experience a weeknight dinner that’s both soul-satisfying and surprisingly simple to make!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Alright, let’s make sure we have everything we need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry, it’s mostly pantry staples!

For the Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo:

• Orzo Pasta: 1 pound (this is the star of the show!)
• Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is your best friend here!)
• Mixed Vegetables: 2 cups, frozen or fresh (peas, carrots, corn, green beans – your choice!)
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups (low sodium is always a good idea)
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup (for that luscious creaminess!)
• Butter: 4 tablespoons
• All-Purpose Flour: 4 tablespoons
• Fresh Thyme: 1 teaspoon, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt and Pepper: To taste (don’t be shy!)
• Optional: 1/4 cup dry sherry or white wine (adds depth of flavor)

Step-by-Step to Creamy Orzo Paradise

Okay, deep breaths! This is easier than it looks, I promise. We’re going to break it down into manageable steps.

Getting Started: Sautéing the Aromatics

1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t let them brown!
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Creating the Creamy Base

4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. This is how we thicken the sauce, so make sure the flour is well incorporated.
5. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds tons of flavor!
6. If using, stir in the sherry or white wine. Let it simmer for a minute to cook off the alcohol.

Adding the Orzo and Veggies

7. Add the orzo pasta to the pot and bring to a simmer.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Stir in the mixed vegetables and cooked chicken. Cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.

Finishing Touches: Creaminess and Flavor

10. Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, and parsley.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Serving Suggestions:

13. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
14. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty touch.
15. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce!

Troubleshooting: Avoiding Common Orzo Pitfalls

Even the best chefs run into little snags sometimes! Here are some tips to help you avoid common issues.

Orzo Sticking to the Pot:

The key is to stir frequently, especially in the last few minutes of cooking. If the orzo starts to stick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

Sauce Too Thick:

If the sauce becomes too thick, simply whisk in a little more chicken broth or heavy cream until you reach your desired consistency.

Sauce Too Thin:

If the sauce is too thin, you can either simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce, or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and whisk it into the pot. Simmer for a minute or two until thickened.

Flavor Boosters: Taking Your Orzo to the Next Level

Want to really wow your taste buds? Try these delicious additions:

Bacon:

Crispy bacon bits add a smoky, salty flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. Cook the bacon before you start the recipe and crumble it over the finished dish.

Mushrooms:

Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy, umami flavor. Cook them along with the onions and celery.

Cheese:

A sprinkle of Parmesan, Gruyere, or cheddar cheese adds a cheesy, comforting touch. Stir it in at the end or sprinkle it over the top before serving.

Why I’m Obsessed with This Recipe (and You Will Be Too!)

Okay, let’s get real for a minute. I’m head-over-heels for this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo because it’s the ultimate comfort food without being fussy. It’s that hug in a bowl we all crave, but elevated with a pasta twist that makes it feel a little bit fancy. Plus, it’s super versatile! Use up leftover chicken, swap in your favorite veggies, and adjust the seasonings to your liking. It’s truly a blank canvas for culinary creativity!

Variations: Keeping It Fresh and Exciting

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, get ready to experiment! Here are some fun variations to try:

Spicy Kick:

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

Lemon Herb:

Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with extra fresh herbs like dill and chives for a bright, summery flavor.

Vegetarian Delight:

Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve Alongside

This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious with a simple side dish. Consider:

A Crisp Salad:

A light and refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the creamy orzo.

Crusty Bread:

For soaking up all that delicious sauce (you’ll want every last drop!).

Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and flavorful addition.

Other Cozy Creations You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of this kind of comfort food, I’ve got a few other recipes I think you’ll absolutely adore! For another creamy chicken dish, check out CREAMY CHICKEN FLORENTINE PERFECTION. If you’re looking for a hands-off option, my CROCK POT POT PIE is a dream come true. Craving a soup? My CHICKEN POT PIE SOUP! will hit the spot. Or, try my LEMON CHICKEN ORZO SOUP! for a lighter, brighter twist on the classics. And don’t forget the CREAMY CHICKEN SOUP. Lastly, if you are craving an even easier one pan meal, check out my Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo.

Storage and Reheating: Making the Most of Leftovers

Lucky you if you have leftovers! This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is even better the next day.

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Comfort Food

There you have it! Your very own Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo – Comfort Food Twist, ready to bring warmth and happiness to your dinner table. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting twist on a classic dish, replacing the traditional pie crust with tender orzo pasta. It’s a simple and satisfying weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander or strainer (optional, for draining excess liquid)
• Mixing bowl (optional, for preparing ingredients)

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables, frozen or fresh peas, carrots, corn, green beans
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped or ½ teaspoon dried
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup dry sherry or white wine optional
• Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
• Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
• If using, stir in the sherry or white wine. Let it simmer for a minute to cook off the alcohol.
• Add the orzo pasta to the pot and bring to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Stir in the mixed vegetables and cooked chicken. Cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
• Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, and parsley.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth. To prevent the orzo from sticking, stir frequently during the last few minutes of cooking and add a splash of broth or water if needed. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Crispy bacon bits or sauteed mushrooms are also delicious additions. If you want to make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach.