Description
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo recipe is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, tender-crisp vegetables, and creamy sauce all tossed with perfectly cooked orzo pasta. Inspired by classic chicken pot pie flavors, this recipe offers a quicker and easier alternative without the crust, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option packed with flavor and creamy texture.
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
Orzo
- 8 ounces orzo pasta
Vegetables
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- ½ yellow onion, finely diced
Sauce & Cooking Fat
- 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 instructions, typically boiling in salted water until al dente. Drain well and set aside for later use.
- Season & Cook the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken thoroughly on a skillet or pan until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter together with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing them until slightly softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables and whisk continuously to form a paste. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste while stirring constantly.
- Make It Creamy: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream into the roux, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Everything: Add the diced cooked chicken, chicken bouillon powder, and the cooked orzo pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld and the mixture reaches the desired consistency.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken pot pie orzo into bowls and serve warm for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- For a quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
- Add frozen peas or green beans with the vegetables for extra color and nutrition.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free orzo or small pasta shapes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken pot pie orzo, creamy chicken pasta, one pot chicken dinner, comfort food, quick chicken recipes
