Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo (Printable)
A twist on the classic pot pie featuring creamy orzo, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables in a savory sauce.
# What You'll 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 & 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 tbsp unsalted butter
12 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
→ Seasonings
13 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
14 - 1/2 tsp dried parsley
15 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
16 - 1/2 tsp salt
# Method:
01 - Melt butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
04 - Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then add milk and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
05 - Add orzo, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until orzo is al dente and sauce thickens.
06 - Stir in heavy cream, cooked chicken, and peas. Simmer for 3–5 more minutes, until chicken is heated through and the peas are tender. Adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and let sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- It delivers all the creamy, savory comfort of a classic pot pie without the fuss of rolling out dough.
- Everything simmers in one pot, meaning maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.
02 -
- The sauce will continue to thicken significantly as it cools, so do not worry if it looks a little thin right off the stove.
- Stir the orzo frequently while it simmers to prevent it from clumping together or sticking to the bottom of the pot.
03 -
- Grating a little fresh nutmeg into the cream sauce adds a subtle warmth that people will notice but not be able to place.
- If the sauce gets too thick before serving, simply stir in a quarter cup of warm broth or water.