Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe

Introduction

This Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting twist on the classic pot pie, featuring tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce all in one pot. The addition of orzo pasta creates a delightful texture, making it perfect for a satisfying family dinner. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a hassle-free, hearty meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add diced chicken and cook until lightly golden on all sides.
3. Step 3: Stir in diced onion and carrots, cooking until they soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and add uncooked orzo pasta to the pot.
6. Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
7. Step 7: Stir in frozen peas, heavy cream, dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt to taste.
8. Step 8: Simmer the mixture until it thickens and becomes creamy, about 3–5 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or chicken breast for a leaner option.
• Swap frozen peas for fresh green beans or corn if desired.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk or a dairy-free alternative.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream for a warm, comforting depth.
• Top with shredded cheese during the last simmer for an extra indulgent touch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells work well, but cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust accordingly to ensure the pasta is tender and not overcooked.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Replace butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free milk alternative instead of heavy cream. Coconut milk or almond milk are good options, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 149 reviews

This Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal combining tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and creamy orzo pasta in a flavorful broth. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it mimics the classic pot pie flavors without the crust, creating a warm, creamy dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas

Liquids and Dairy

• 3 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)

Grains and Fats

• 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

Herbs and Seasonings

• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat fat: In a large pot over medium heat, warm olive oil and butter until melted and hot.
2. Cook chicken: Add diced chicken to the pot and cook until lightly golden on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Sauté vegetables: Stir in diced onion and carrots; cook until softened, approximately 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add garlic: Mix in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Add broth and orzo: Pour in chicken broth and add uncooked orzo pasta, stirring to combine.
6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Add peas and seasoning: Stir in frozen peas, heavy cream, dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt to taste.
8. Thicken mixture: Continue to simmer the pot pie orzo until the sauce becomes thick and creamy, about 3-5 minutes more.
9. Rest and serve: Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or omit entirely.
• For extra creaminess, feel free to add a tablespoon of cream cheese or grated Parmesan cheese at the end.
• Frozen peas can be replaced with fresh peas or other vegetables like green beans or corn.
• Adjust seasoning and herbs according to your taste preference.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta alternatives.

Keywords: chicken pot pie orzo, creamy chicken and orzo, one pot meal, comfort food, easy chicken dinner