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Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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