Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe

Introduction

Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a warm and comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy broth with tender orzo pasta. It’s an easy dish that delivers all the flavors of a classic pot pie in a simple, weeknight-friendly form.

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.
3. Step 3: Stir in onion and carrots and cook until softened.
4. Step 4: Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and add the orzo pasta.
6. Step 6: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender.
7. Step 7: Stir in frozen peas, heavy cream, thyme, parsley, black pepper, and salt.
8. Step 8: Simmer gently until the mixture is thick and creamy, about 3–5 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Swap frozen peas for green beans or corn based on your preference.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk or a dairy-free alternative.
• Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for extra richness.

Storage

Store leftover chicken pot pie orzo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with leftover cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken. Add it during the last few minutes of simmering to warm it through without overcooking the meat.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

You can prepare the dish up to the simmering step and refrigerate it. When ready to eat, reheat gently and stir in the cream and peas so they stay fresh and bright.

Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe

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4.9 from 95 reviews

This Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting and creamy one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and orzo pasta in a rich broth. Inspired by classic chicken pot pie flavors but with a quick stovetop twist, it’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that comes together in under an hour.

• Author: Marco
• 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

Proteins & Fats

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas

Dry & Dairy

• 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. Heat Fat and Oil: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted and hot, creating a flavorful base for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
2. Cook Chicken: Add diced chicken to the pot and cook until lightly golden on all sides, ensuring it’s partially cooked through before adding other ingredients.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Stir in diced onion and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and aromatic, approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Add Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more to release its flavor without burning.
5. Add Broth and Orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and add the uncooked orzo pasta, stirring to combine everything evenly.
6. Simmer Pasta and Chicken: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
7. Add Final Ingredients: Stir in frozen peas, heavy cream (or whole milk), dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt to taste. This enriches the dish and adds classic pot pie flavors.
8. Thicken and Heat Through: Continue simmering the mixture until it thickens to a creamy consistency, about 3-5 more minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to set slightly before serving warm.

Notes

• You can substitute whole milk for heavy cream for a lighter version, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
• Use chicken thighs if you prefer more flavorful and juicier meat over chicken breast.
• Frozen peas can be replaced with fresh peas or green beans for variation.
• This dish can be garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: chicken pot pie orzo, creamy chicken pasta, comfort food, one-pot meal, quick dinner, stovetop chicken recipe