Name: Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo brings all the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie, minus the hassle of making a crust. The orzo pasta soaks up the rich, creamy sauce, while the tender chicken and vegetables add texture and flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. The creaminess, combined with the savory seasoning, will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

For the 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

For the Orzo:

8 ounces orzo pasta

For the Vegetables:

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

For the 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe

Directions

Cook the Orzo: Prepare the orzo according to the package directions. Once done, drain and set aside.
Season & Cook the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the Vegetables: In a 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 5 minutes.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and whisk to combine until a paste forms. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Make It Creamy: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Combine Everything: Add the diced chicken, chicken bouillon powder, and cooked orzo to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for a few minutes to bring all the flavors together.
Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken pot pie orzo into bowls and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 5
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth, or add in some mushrooms or tofu for protein.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux, and swap the orzo for a gluten-free pasta.
Extra Veggies: Add peas, corn, or green beans to the mix for more color and texture.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring some heat to the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the orzo in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta types like ditalini or small shells, but the cooking time may vary.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just combine the orzo, chicken, and sauce and heat everything through.

Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

Yes, frozen vegetables can work in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to cook them properly and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and plant-based cream (such as coconut cream or oat cream) to make the dish dairy-free.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?

If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little extra chicken broth or plant-based milk to reach your desired consistency.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver! Just make sure to shred or dice the chicken and add it to the sauce as you would with the cooked chicken.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some spice, include chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the sauce, depending on how much heat you want.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth to help bring the sauce back to life.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to confirm it’s fully cooked.

Can I add more herbs or spices?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for added flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder also work well.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is the perfect comfort food that combines all the best flavors of a pot pie in a quick and easy stovetop version. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and hearty vegetables all wrapped up with orzo pasta, this dish is sure to be a new favorite. Whether for a weeknight meal or a cozy dinner, it’s a delicious and satisfying dish that’s simple to prepare and even better to eat!