Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo (Printable version)
One-pot creamy orzo with tender chicken, vegetables, and a rich savory sauce. Ready in 45 minutes.
# What you need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 cup carrots, diced
03 - 1 cup frozen peas
04 - 1 cup celery, diced
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Base and Pasta
07 - 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
08 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 cup whole milk
10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
→ Seasonings
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, plus extra for garnish
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
# How to make it:
01 - In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
04 - Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, then add the milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
05 - Add the orzo, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is al dente and the sauce thickens.
06 - Stir in the heavy cream, cooked chicken, and frozen peas. Simmer for 3 to 5 more minutes until the chicken is heated through and the peas are tender. Adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Remove from heat and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens further. Garnish with extra parsley and serve warm.
# Expert tips:
01 -
- One pot means you get all the soul warming comfort of chicken pot pie without wrecking your kitchen.
- The orzo releases its starches right into the sauce, creating a thickness that feels like magic.
02 -
- Stir the orzo every couple of minutes or it will cement itself to the bottom of the pot in a way no scrubbing can fix.
- Adding the cream at the end instead of the beginning prevents it from breaking or curdling during the long simmer.
03 -
- Frozen mixed vegetables work perfectly in place of fresh carrots and celery when you are short on time or energy.
- Let the finished dish rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving because it thickens dramatically as it cools.