Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo (Printable version)
A comforting one-pot orzo dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, savory sauce.
# What you need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 cup carrots, diced
03 - 1 cup frozen peas
04 - 1 cup celery, diced
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Base & Pasta
07 - 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
08 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 cup whole milk
10 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
→ Seasonings
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, plus extra for garnish
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
# How To:
01 - Melt butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 4 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
02 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
04 - Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, then pour in the milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
05 - Add orzo pasta, dried thyme, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is al dente and the sauce thickens.
06 - Stir in heavy cream, cooked chicken, and frozen peas. Simmer for 3 to 5 additional minutes until the chicken is heated through and the peas are tender. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce can thicken further. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It delivers all the cozy, savory flavors of a classic pot pie without the fuss of making a crust.
- Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning cleanup is virtually nonexistent.
02 -
- You must stir the orzo frequently near the end of cooking to stop it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adding a splash of dry white wine with the broth will elevate the flavor dramatically.
03 -
- Do not walk away from the stove while the orzo simmers because it can scorch in seconds.
- Toast the dried thyme in the butter for thirty seconds before adding vegetables to bloom its oils.