This creamy chicken pot pie orzo dinner is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chunks of chicken, colorful veggies, and creamy sauce, it’s super comforting and delicious.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just cook everything in one pot, and you’ll be enjoying a hearty meal in no time. Who doesn’t love fewer dishes to clean? 🤗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This oil adds healthy fats and flavor. If you’re out, you can use vegetable or canola oil, but I love the taste of olive oil in this dish.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great here, but you can also use thighs for juicier meat. If you prefer a meatless option, you can substitute with chickpeas or cooked mushrooms.
Orzo Pasta: The tiny, rice-shaped pasta gives a nice texture. If you don’t have orzo, try using small shells or ditalini pasta instead.
Heavy Cream: This makes the dish ultra-creamy! If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Broth: Chicken broth is key for flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, vegetable broth works well. Homemade broth is always the best!
How Do I Make Sure the Sauce Is Creamy and Not Lumpy?
Getting a smooth sauce can be tricky, but here are some tips:
- Implement a “roux” with flour and sautéed veggies. Cook for a couple of minutes to eliminate flour’s raw taste.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth. This gradual addition helps avoid lumps, ensuring a silky sauce.
- Always whisk continuously while adding liquids. It helps in blending everything nicely.
Patience is crucial! Let it simmer so it thickens naturally; this will make the dish creamy and delicious.
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 20 minutes to cook. So, you can have this lovely creamy chicken pot pie orzo dinner ready to enjoy in around 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook until they are browned on the outside and fully cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same pot, add the diced onion, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are softened and the onion becomes translucent. Your kitchen should smell fantastic by now!
3. Making the Sauce:
Next, sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and mix well to combine. Cook this mixture for 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste. Then, gradually whisk in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once combined, add in the milk and heavy cream, whisking until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Adding the Orzo:
Stir in the dried thyme and parsley for added flavor. Add the orzo pasta to the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5. Simmering:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the orzo cooks evenly and the sauce stays creamy.
6. Bringing It All Together:
After the orzo is tender, return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the frozen peas and corn. Stir everything together and let it warm through for about 2-3 minutes.
7. Final Adjustments:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Feel free to add more herbs if you like!
8. Serving:
Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your creamy, comforting one-pot meal that captures all the delicious flavors of chicken pot pie!
Enjoy this creamy, comforting one-pot meal that tastes just like chicken pot pie in a bowl!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken works perfectly in this dish. Just add it during the last few minutes to warm it through, ensuring you’ll save time and enjoy the same great flavor!
Is There a Gluten-Free Option for This Recipe?
Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free orzo or another small gluten-free pasta like quinoa or rice pasta. Your creamy chicken pot pie orzo will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess, as orzo tends to absorb liquid as it sits.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies like bell peppers, green beans, or even spinach. Just chop them up and add them in with the other vegetables for a colorful and nutritious twist!