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Chicken Pot Pie Orzo

Chicken Pot Pie Orzo - featured image

Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a creamy, one-pot comfort food that brings all the classic flavors of chicken pot pie without the fuss of pastry. Tender orzo, savory chicken, and colorful veggies come together in a rich, cozy sauce—perfect for chilly fall nights or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
  • 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup diced celery (about 2 ribs)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels, frozen or fresh (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta (about 270g)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf (remove before serving)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Dice onion, carrots, and celery. Shred or chop cooked chicken. Measure orzo, broth, milk, and seasonings.
  2. Sauté the Veggies: Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until onions are translucent and veggies soften (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add the Flour and Seasonings: Sprinkle flour over veggies and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until flour turns slightly golden. Stir in thyme, parsley, paprika, nutmeg, and bay leaf.
  4. Deglaze and Build the Sauce: Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add milk or half-and-half. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often, until sauce thickens (3-4 minutes).
  5. Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in dry orzo and cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until orzo is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add peas and corn during the last 5 minutes.
  6. Finish and Adjust: Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in Parmesan and fresh parsley. Let pot rest off heat for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
  7. Serve Warm: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Stir often to prevent orzo from sticking. Adjust liquid as needed for desired consistency. For gluten-free, use gluten-free orzo and flour. For dairy-free, use unsweetened almond milk and skip Parmesan. Leftovers thicken in the fridge—add extra broth when reheating. Recipe is flexible—swap veggies or protein as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pot pie orzo, one-pot dinner, comfort food, fall recipe, creamy chicken orzo, easy family meal, weeknight dinner, cozy recipe