I love a bowl of Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo on a cool night. I made this one when I wanted all the flavors of pot pie without the fuss, and it became a weeknight favorite, you can read the full post on my site Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo recipe.
Dad James was the first to taste it and he declared it dinner for the week. I still laugh when I think of him scraping the pot clean.
Your Ingredients List
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
My Go-To Equipment
I use a large, heavy pot and a wooden spoon. A good ladle helps when serving. I like a tight-fitting lid for simmering.
The Simple Steps to Follow
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is soft.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for three to four minutes.
- Add the orzo pasta and pour in the chicken broth, then bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer until the orzo is tender, about eight to ten minutes.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for two to three minutes more until everything is hot and blended.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve warm.
Healthy Twists on a Classic
I like to make this lighter by swapping half the heavy cream for low-fat milk and adding extra veggies. For a soupier idea, I often borrow ideas from my chicken pot pie soup recipe to stretch the meal without losing flavor.
Serving Suggestions From My Table
I love to serve this with a crisp green salad and warm crusty bread. When I want extra comfort, I pair it with flavors inspired by my crock pot creamy chicken parmesan soup.
Getting It Just Right
Cook the orzo until just tender so it does not get mushy as it sits. Stir often after adding the cream so it heats evenly. Use fresh thyme if you can for the best aroma.
How to Store Leftovers
Cool the orzo to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.
Enjoy Every Moment
I hope this recipe brings you the same cozy comfort it gives my family. Take a moment to enjoy the warm bowl and good company.
A Few Common Questions
Can I use frozen mixed vegetables for Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo?
Yes, you can use frozen mixed vegetables for Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo. Add them with the vegetables step and cook until they are heated through.
Can I substitute heavy cream in Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo?
You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a milk and cream mix in Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo to reduce fat. Add a little extra broth if you want a thinner, soup-like texture.
Can I make Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo vegetarian?
To make this vegetarian, leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth with extra beans or mushrooms. The base of orzo and veggies still gives you a rich, hearty bowl.
Print
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting one-pot meal that combines all the flavors of chicken pot pie with the ease of orzo pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is soft.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for three to four minutes.
- Add the orzo pasta and pour in the chicken broth, then bring to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer until the orzo is tender, about eight to ten minutes.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for two to three minutes more until everything is hot and blended.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve warm.
Notes
You can lighten the recipe by using half low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. Refrigerate leftovers for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Chicken, Orzo, Comfort Food, One-Pot, Weeknight Dinner