This creamy chicken pot pie orzo is like a warm hug in a bowl! It has tender chicken, tasty veggies, and is mixed with orzo pasta for that cozy, comforting feel.
If you’re like me, you’ll appreciate how quick this dish comes together. Just mix everything, let it simmer, and enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss. Perfect for chilly evenings! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish, but you can use rotisserie chicken too for speed. If you’re vegetarian, try using chickpeas or tofu instead for added protein!
Orzo: The tiny pasta in this recipe adds a fun twist. If orzo isn’t available, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice for a different texture.
Vegetables: While carrots and peas are traditional, feel free to mix in any vegetables you like! Green beans, corn, or even spinach work well. You can also use frozen mixed veggies if you’re short on time.
Dairy: Whole or 2% milk makes it creamy, but you can replace it with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option. Just make sure to choose unsweetened varieties.
How Do I Get My Sauce Creamy Without Clumps?
One of the key steps in making this dish creamy without clumps is to properly make the roux. Here’s how:
- After sautéing your onions and garlic, sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir it in for 1-2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring continuously. This helps prevent lumps from forming!
- Keep stirring as you add the milk. This ensures a smooth, creamy sauce as it thickens with the heat.
Patience is key during this step! Keep stirring and adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning. Enjoy your creamy meal!
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy chicken pot pie orzo takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time. It’s a quick meal that packs a lot of flavor and is perfect for weeknight dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked through, which will take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add unsalted butter. Once it’s melted, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, which should take about 3 minutes. This will provide a wonderful base flavor!
3. Add the Carrots:
Stir in the diced carrots and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the carrots start to soften. This adds sweetness and texture to your dish.
4. Make the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes. This will cook the flour, helping to thicken your sauce.
5. Pour in the Broth:
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously. This helps avoid any lumps and gives you a smooth sauce.
6. Add the Milk and Seasonings:
Add the milk, dried thyme, and optional dried rosemary to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This creamy base is where the magic happens!
7. Cook the Orzo:
Stir in the orzo pasta, then cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
8. Combine the Chicken and Peas:
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the frozen peas. Stir everything together and let it heat through for about 3-4 minutes.
9. Final Seasoning:
Don’t forget to taste it! Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed to make it just right for you.
10. Serve It Up:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish your creamy chicken pot pie orzo with freshly chopped parsley. Serve it warm and enjoy a comforting meal!
This dish is a wonderful marriage of flavors and textures—a creamy, hearty meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just skip the chicken cooking step and add the shredded or diced chicken when you mix in the peas to heat it through.
What If I Don’t Have Orzo?
No problem! You can substitute orzo with any small pasta such as ditalini or even rice. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since different types of pasta or rice may take varying times to cook.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare everything except the orzo in advance. Just store the cooked chicken and vegetables in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, heat them up and then add the orzo and broth for a quick meal!
