Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is the cozy weeknight dinner that brings all the comfort of traditional pot pie without the fuss of pastry. I love how this one-pot recipe transforms classic flavors into a creamy pasta dish that satisfies everyone at the table. The tender chicken, vegetables, and velvety sauce create pure nostalgia in every bite.

There’s something magical about the way orzo soaks up that rich, creamy sauce while still keeping its tender texture. I started making this dish on busy weeknights when I craved pot pie but didn’t have time for the whole production. The beauty of this chicken pot pie orzo is how it delivers all those beloved flavors in one simple skillet. My family requests this creamy chicken pasta constantly, especially during colder months when we need something warming and satisfying. You get all the comfort without rolling out a single piece of dough.

What You’ll Need for This Creamy Pot Pie Pasta

This recipe comes together with simple ingredients you probably have on hand. I always use freshly diced vegetables for the best texture and flavor, though frozen mixed veggies work in a pinch when time is tight.

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (raw or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works great)
• 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
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced

For the Sauce:

• 5 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

Pro tip: Using rotisserie chicken as a time-saving shortcut is my go-to move. The pre-seasoned meat adds extra flavor to your creamy chicken pot pie orzo while cutting prep time significantly. Just skip Step 2 and dice the rotisserie chicken directly.

How to Make This One-Pot Comfort Dish

Having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking makes this recipe flow smoothly. The key is building layers of flavor through proper technique.

Step 1: Cook the orzo according to package directions until just barely al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook it at this stage since it will continue cooking in the creamy sauce later.

Step 2 (skip if using rotisserie chicken): Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels, then sprinkle generously with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown on both sides and internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let cool slightly, then dice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: In your largest skillet or Dutch oven, melt 5 tablespoons butter together with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Saute for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and onions turn translucent.

Step 4: Turn heat down to low, then sprinkle 1/3 cup flour evenly over the softened vegetables. Stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes to create a roux that smells nutty and turns light golden. This step is crucial for removing the raw flour taste and achieving a smooth, creamy chicken pot pie orzo sauce.

Step 5: With heat still on low, slowly whisk in 2 cups chicken broth followed by 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream. Keep whisking continuously until you have a smooth, lump-free sauce that’s starting to thicken and coat the back of your spoon. Take your time here to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 6: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder for extra depth. Stir in diced chicken and let mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce reaches your preferred consistency and coats the chicken nicely. Finally, add the cooked orzo and fold everything together until well combined. Heat through for 2-3 minutes until creamy and cohesive, with steam rising from the surface.

Step 7: Spoon generous portions into bowls and serve hot. Watch as the creamy sauce coats every piece of orzo perfectly.

Perfect Pairings for Your Chicken Pot Pie Orzo

This hearty pasta pairs beautifully with fresh, light sides that balance the richness.

Bright Green Salad with Vinaigrette: The crisp lettuce and tangy dressing cut through the creamy sauce perfectly, adding freshness and crunch to each forkful.

Steamed Green Beans: These tender-crisp beans provide a nutritious vegetable element that complements the comfort food vibes without overwhelming the dish.

Crusty Bread or Soft Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that velvety sauce. Warm, buttered rolls served alongside this creamy chicken pot pie orzo complete the meal.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized edges and slight bitterness balance the rich, creamy flavors beautifully, especially during fall and winter months.

More Comforting Chicken Dinners to Try

When the weather turns cold and comfort food cravings hit, nothing beats a warm bowl of creamy pasta or hearty soup. This chicken pot pie orzo pairs wonderfully with other cozy dishes perfect for weeknight dinners. For more one-pot meals featuring tender chicken, try the warming Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Mushroom Soup or the family-favorite Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup that also showcases the delicious texture of orzo pasta.

Looking for more creamy chicken recipes that deliver restaurant-quality results at home? The Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce offers incredible flavor with minimal effort, while Best Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta provides another quick solution using rotisserie chicken. For soup lovers, the Green Chicken Enchilada Soup brings bold flavors that complement this mild, creamy dish perfectly.

Storing Your Leftover Pot Pie Orzo

This recipe stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For reheating, a saucepan over medium-low heat works better than the microwave. Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, as it will thicken considerably when cold. Stir often and heat just until steaming, being careful not to overcook the orzo.

You can freeze this creamy chicken pot pie orzo in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Pro tip: The texture holds up best if you freeze individual portions rather than one large batch, making weeknight dinners even easier.

Your Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Questions Answered

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