Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe

Introduction

Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and creamy sauce with the delightful texture of orzo pasta. It’s a perfect dish for chilly evenings when you want something warm and satisfying without the fuss of a traditional pot pie crust.

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.
5. Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and add orzo.
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 peas, cream, thyme, parsley, pepper, and salt.
8. Step 8: Simmer until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy, about 3–5 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, subtle twist to the cream sauce.
• Swap frozen peas with green beans or corn for different vegetable flavors.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells work well, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative in place of heavy cream.

Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 56 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting, creamy one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and tender orzo pasta in a rich, flavorful broth. This easy-to-make dish offers all the warmth of a traditional pot pie with the convenience of stovetop cooking, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Dairy

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)

Vegetables

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

Pantry and Seasonings

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat fat: In a large pot, warm the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering, preparing the base for sautéing.
2. Cook chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook it until it turns lightly golden and is mostly cooked through, stirring occasionally for even browning.
3. Sauté vegetables: Stir in the diced onion and carrots, cooking them until they become softened and fragrant, usually about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add garlic: Mix in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
5. Add liquids and orzo: Pour in the chicken broth and add the uncooked orzo pasta to the pot, stirring to combine evenly.
6. Simmer orzo: Bring the mixture up to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and cooked through.
7. Add finishing ingredients: Stir in the frozen peas, heavy cream, dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt to taste, mixing well to combine all flavors.
8. Thicken sauce: Continue to simmer the pot pie mixture until it thickens and becomes creamy, about 3 to 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Rest and serve: Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dish to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Substitute heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter dish.
• Use chicken breasts for a leaner option or thighs for richer flavor.
• Frozen peas can be replaced with fresh green beans or corn.
• If desired, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
• For added richness, a splash of white wine can be added with the chicken broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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