Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting twist on the classic pot pie, combining tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and creamy sauce with delicate orzo pasta. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for cozy dinners any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the diced carrots, peas, and cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the orzo pasta, making sure it is submerged in the liquid.
- Step 4: Continue to simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream and warm through for 2 more minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of fresh thyme or rosemary while cooking the vegetables.
- Swap peas with green beans or corn for a different vegetable twist.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- If you like a thicker sauce, sprinkle a teaspoon of flour into the butter and onions and cook briefly before adding broth.
Storage
Store any 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 thickens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, frozen peas and carrots work well. Add them directly to the skillet and cook until heated through and tender.
What can I substitute for orzo?
If you don’t have orzo, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or couscous can be good alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
PrintCreamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, and classic pot pie vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers all the flavors of a traditional pot pie without the crust, making it a quick and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Vegetables
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grains
- 1 cup orzo pasta
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the diced carrots and peas and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add Broth and Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the orzo pasta and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Incorporate the Chicken and Cream: Stir in the cooked chicken pieces to heat through. Pour in the heavy cream and gently simmer the mixture for another 3-5 minutes to thicken the sauce and blend the flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy protein option.
- Feel free to substitute cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
- Ensure to stir frequently while simmering the orzo to prevent sticking.
Keywords: chicken pot pie orzo, creamy chicken pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, one-pot meal
