There are nights when you just need a meal that hugs you back. That’s exactly where Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo comes in. It’s everything we love about classic chicken pot pie—tender chicken, soft veggies, and creamy sauce—without the pie crust drama. Instead, we let orzo pasta soak up all the goodness in a single pot. Less fuss, fewer dishes, and a whole lot of comfort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
- It’s a one-pot wonder (no juggling pans while the kids ask if dinner’s ready yet).
- Rich, creamy, and hearty—perfect for chilly nights.
- A smart way to sneak in extra veggies.
- Cozy enough for Sunday dinner but simple enough for a Tuesday night.
Honestly? It’s the kind of recipe that makes your house smell like someone’s grandma came over and cooked just for you.
What Does Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Taste Like?
Imagine the filling of a homemade chicken pot pie: savory chicken, tender carrots, sweet onion, and celery, all wrapped up in a silky sauce. Now picture that wrapped around little orzo pasta instead of pastry. Each bite is creamy, satisfying, and just the right balance of cozy and filling.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
One of the best parts about making Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is that you don’t need fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything here is likely already in your pantry or fridge, and together they create that classic “pot pie” flavor we all love. Let’s break it down:
- Chicken breasts (2 boneless, skinless) – These give the dish lean, tender protein. You’ll cook them until juicy, then dice into bite-sized chunks. If you’re short on time, you can absolutely use rotisserie chicken instead. (I often do this on busy weeknights, just like in my Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe).
- Seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper) – Think of these as your chicken’s “coat of flavor.” The paprika adds warmth, the garlic brings savoriness, and the onion powder rounds everything out. Don’t skip these—this trio makes the chicken pop against the creamy base.
- Orzo pasta (8 ounces) – The star of this recipe! Orzo looks like rice but cooks like pasta, soaking up the sauce beautifully. It gives the dish that comforting, hearty feel without needing a pie crust. If you’ve ever tried my Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo, you already know how magical orzo can be.
- Vegetables (2 celery stalks, 2 carrots, ½ yellow onion, finely diced) – The holy trinity of pot pie flavor. These veggies not only add sweetness and crunch, but they also make your kitchen smell incredible while they sauté in butter.
- Butter (5 tablespoons) and olive oil (2 tablespoons) – Butter gives you that rich, comforting flavor, while olive oil prevents burning and balances the richness. A little kitchen teamwork right here.
- Chicken broth (2 cups) – Use low sodium if you can. The broth creates the base of the sauce, tying the chicken and veggies together in a savory hug.
- Heavy whipping cream (½ cup) – This is where the “creamy” in Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo really shines. The cream thickens into a luscious sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
- Chicken bouillon powder (1 teaspoon) – A secret weapon for deepening that slow-simmered chicken flavor, even though this dish only takes about 30 minutes.
- All-purpose flour (⅓ cup) – Essential for creating the roux (a paste made with flour and fat) that thickens the sauce. Without it, the dish would feel more like soup than a creamy pot pie dinner.
Each ingredient plays its part, creating layers of comfort in every bite. And once everything comes together in one pot, you’ve got a dish that feels both homey and a little bit special.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo (Step by Step)
Making Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is easier than you might think—it all comes together in one large skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Follow these detailed steps, and you’ll have a creamy, comforting dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Start by cooking the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Orzo cooks quickly (usually 8–10 minutes), and you’ll want it tender but not mushy. Drain and set it aside.
Tip: If you’ve fallen in love with orzo’s versatility, don’t miss my Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo—it’s another reader favorite!
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Take two boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them generously with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning mix ensures your chicken is flavorful all the way through, not just on the outside.
In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This usually takes about 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove from the pan and dice into bite-sized pieces.
Shortcut option: If you’re pressed for time, use rotisserie chicken like I sometimes do when making my Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup. Just skip the seasoning and go straight to Step 4.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add 5 tablespoons of butter along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the butter has melted, toss in your finely diced onion, carrots, and celery.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their fragrance. This step builds the classic “pot pie” flavor base. Your kitchen will already smell like comfort at this point.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Sprinkle ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables. Stir constantly, letting the flour absorb the butter and oil to form a paste-like mixture called a roux. Cook the roux for 2–3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
This step is key—it’s what makes the sauce of your Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo silky and thick, instead of watery.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce
Slowly whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and ½ cup of heavy whipping cream, a little at a time, to avoid lumps. Stir continuously until the mixture turns smooth and begins to thicken. Add in 1 teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder for a deeper savory flavor.
You’ll notice the sauce transforming right before your eyes into a rich, creamy base that clings beautifully to pasta.
Step 6: Add Chicken and Orzo
Now stir the diced chicken back into the skillet, letting it simmer in the sauce for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Finally, fold in the drained orzo. Stir well so the pasta is coated in every drop of that creamy pot pie sauce. At this point, your skillet will look like a cross between chicken pot pie filling and a cozy pasta dinner—and that’s exactly the magic of this recipe.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon generous portions into bowls and serve hot. I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for color, but that’s optional. Pair it with a side salad or warm bread if you want to stretch it into a full meal.
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is rich, hearty, and soul-warming—the kind of dish that makes everyone come back for seconds.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
- Shortcut alert: Rotisserie chicken makes this even quicker (just skip the extra seasoning).
- Veggie swap: Frozen mixed vegetables save chopping time—just cook them until tender.
- Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be as thick.
- Leftover magic: Add peas or corn to stretch it into a second meal.
- Watch the sauce: If it gets too thick, splash in extra chicken broth.
Personal note: The first time I made this, my youngest declared it “better than mac and cheese.” That’s high praise in our house.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This one doesn’t freeze perfectly because of the cream, but it’s fine for up to a month if you don’t mind a slightly different texture.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to bring the sauce back to life.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything except the orzo. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, then stir in freshly cooked orzo.
What can I serve with it?
It’s hearty enough on its own, but a crisp green salad or garlic bread is always welcome.
Can I use another pasta?
Small shapes like ditalini or elbows will work, but orzo really gives that rice-like pot pie feel.
Conclusion
There you have it—Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo, a one-pot dinner that tastes like comfort in a bowl. It’s simple, satisfying, and the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table (even the picky eaters). Next time you’re craving cozy but don’t have the time (or energy) for pie crust, this dish has your back.
I’d love to know if you make this recipe—leave a comment, share a rating, or tag me on social media. Let’s spread the comfort one pot at a time.
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Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo: The Best Weeknight Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a cozy one-pot dinner that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and orzo pasta in a rich, creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cooked & diced
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 8 ounces Orzo Pasta
- 2 Celery Stalks, finely diced
- 2 Carrots, finely diced
- ½ Yellow Onion, finely diced
- 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
1. Cook the orzo per the package instructions.
2. Season the chicken breasts with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add a splash of olive oil to the skillet and cook over medium high heat until it reaches 165°F internal temperature. Dice into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter is melted, add in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the flour over the vegetables. Whisk until it forms a paste/roux.
5. While stirring constantly, cook the roux for 2–3 minutes, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream. Whisk until no clumps remain and the mixture begins to thicken.
6. Add in the diced chicken and simmer until the sauce reaches the desired thickness.
7. Pour in the drained orzo and stir to combine. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
You can use rotisserie chicken, but if you do, be sure to omit the extra seasonings.
You can use frozen veggies to save time, but be sure to cook them down until they are soft.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 228g
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 538mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 58mg
Keywords: chicken pot pie orzo, creamy chicken orzo, one pot meal, comfort food, easy dinner
