Description
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting main dish that reimagines classic pot pie flavors with tender seasoned chicken, a medley of sautéed vegetables, and orzo pasta enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce. This stovetop recipe delivers a hearty, satisfying meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Orzo:
- 8 ounces orzo pasta
For the Vegetables:
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- ½ yellow onion, finely diced
For the Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: Prepare the orzo pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be added later into the creamy sauce.
- Season & Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked through. Remove from heat and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter together with olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened but still retain a bit of bite, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and whisk continuously until a paste forms. Cook this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring frequently.
- Make It Creamy: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and then the heavy whipping cream. Continue stirring to create a smooth sauce that thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked, diced chicken, chicken bouillon powder, and the drained orzo pasta to the creamy vegetable sauce. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently until it reaches your desired consistency, about 3-5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken pot pie orzo into bowls and enjoy immediately as a comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast leftovers or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Vegetables can be varied or added according to preference, such as peas or mushrooms.
- If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme for added flavor and color.
- Ensure to whisk constantly when adding flour and liquid to prevent lumps in the sauce.
