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Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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