Chicken Pot Pie Orzo

There’s something deeply satisfying about sinking a spoon into a dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight, and that’s exactly what this Chicken Pot Pie Orzo delivers. By combining all the classic comforts of a beloved pot pie with the quick-cooking convenience of orzo, you end up with a cozy one-pan meal that feels both special and effortlessly simple. Tender bites of chicken cozy up next to vibrant peas, diced carrots, and celery in a silky, herb-kissed sauce. Every bite balances the earthiness of thyme and rosemary with the creamy richness of whole milk and Parmesan, making this recipe an unbeatable crowd-pleaser or a solo dinner that feels indulgent without any fuss.

This recipe shines for both beginner cooks and seasoned home chefs looking for a quick, comforting dinner option. With just over 15 minutes of prep and about half an hour of cooking (plus a quick 5-minute rest), you’ll have a hearty meal on the table in under an hour. Tag this under “easy weeknight dinners,” “meal-prep heroes,” or “comfort food done right.” In my kitchen, I’ve found that using rotisserie chicken makes it even speedier, but cubed fresh chicken breasts are just as wonderful. Whether you’re chasing the cozy vibes of a classic pot pie or craving that dreamy, creamy sauce in every forkful of orzo, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Course: Dinner, Lunch | Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Rest Time: 5 minutes | Calories: 450

KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHICKEN POT PIE ORZO

Before diving in, let’s spotlight the stars of this dish and explore why each plays a crucial role in creating that rich, comforting flavor profile.

• Olive oil

This forms the flavorful foundation, adding a light fruity note and helping to sauté the aromatics without sticking.

• Onion

When diced and cooked until soft, it brings a gentle sweetness and depth that underpins the savory sauce.

• Garlic

Minced garlic infuses every spoonful with a warm, pungent kick, amplifying the overall complexity of the dish.

• Carrots

Diced carrots contribute bright color, natural sweetness, and a tender bite that is essential to any pot pie–style meal.

• Celery

Its crisp texture and mild, grassy flavor balance the sweeter vegetables and add authentic pot pie character.

• Dried thyme

Sprinkled in early, thyme lends an earthy, slightly minty aroma that evokes cozy, home-cooked comfort.

• Dried rosemary

This herb adds a pine-like fragrance and nuanced bitterness, giving contrast to the creamy sauce.

• Salt and pepper

Simple but vital—seasoning with salt and pepper harmonizes all ingredients, ensuring no note overpowers another.

• All-purpose flour

Used to create a roux, it thickens the broth-and-milk mixture into a luscious sauce that clings to the orzo.

• Chicken broth

Provides savory depth and moisture, acting as the liquid base of our creamy sauce.

• Whole milk

Adds rich creaminess and smoothness to the sauce, making each bite feel indulgent.

• Chicken breasts

Cubed boneless, skinless chicken supplies tender protein that soaks up the flavors of the sauce and herbs.

• Frozen peas

Thawed into the simmering sauce, they contribute pops of sweet freshness and vibrant green color.

• Orzo pasta

This rice-shaped pasta cooks to a delightful al dente texture, absorbing the creamy sauce in every nook and cranny.

• Parmesan cheese

Shaved into the finished dish, it melts into the sauce, boosting umami and adding a savory, tangy finish.

• Fresh parsley

Chopped and sprinkled on top, it imparts a bright herbal note and a pleasing visual flourish.

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN POT PIE ORZO

Ready to roll up your sleeves and transform these ingredients into a creamy, comforting dinner? Follow these step-by-step instructions, paying attention to techniques like sautéing, whisking, and simmering to ensure the best results.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so it softens evenly without browning too quickly.

2. Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.

3. Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to evenly coat everything, allowing the herbs to toast briefly and release their essential oils.

4. Add the flour to the skillet, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula until it is fully incorporated and cooked out of its raw taste, about 1 minute. This forms the base of your roux.

5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and whole milk in a thin, steady stream, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth, then bring it to a gentle simmer.

6. Add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet, stirring frequently to submerge the pieces in the sauce. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 5–7 minutes.

7. Stir in the frozen peas, pushing them down into the hot sauce, and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer so they thaw and warm through.

8. While the sauce is simmering, cook the orzo in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain well and set aside.

9. Fold the cooked orzo into the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce.

10. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the orzo mixture, stirring until it melts completely and enriches the sauce.

11. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal finish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHICKEN POT PIE ORZO

Transforming this dish from delicious to downright unforgettable is all about how you present and pair it. Whether you’re welcoming friends over or savoring a cozy solo dinner, these serving suggestions will bring out the best in your Chicken Pot Pie Orzo.

• Serve in deep bowls and top with extra chopped parsley and a crack of fresh black pepper for an inviting, restaurant-style presentation.
• Accompany with crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
• Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the orzo and lighten each bite.
• Offer a side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli to introduce a fresh, crunchy texture and vibrant color to the plate.

HOW TO STORE CHICKEN POT PIE ORZO

Life gets busy, and having this Chicken Pot Pie Orzo ready to reheat can be a total game-changer. Proper storage ensures you preserve all those creamy flavors and tender textures for later.

• Refrigerate in an airtight container once cooled to room temperature. Stored this way, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Before sealing, press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• For reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy sauce.
• If microwaving, heat in short intervals (about 1 minute), stirring in between until evenly heated, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to refresh the flavors.

CONCLUSION

This Chicken Pot Pie Orzo recipe has everything you need for a satisfying, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. From the cozy blend of tender chicken and hearty vegetables to the silky, herb-infused sauce that clings to every grain of orzo, this dish is a delightful twist on classic comfort food. With just a handful of pantry staples, a bit of sautéing and whisking, and a total of under an hour from start to finish, you’ll find this is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again—whether for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you crave a warm, home-cooked dinner. Feel free to print this article and save it in your recipe binder or digital folder for easy reference later.

Below you’ll also find a handy FAQ section that answers common questions and troubleshooting tips for this recipe. If you decide to whip up Chicken Pot Pie Orzo in your kitchen, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you try swapping in cream for an extra-rich sauce or adding mushrooms for an earthy twist? Leave a comment with your thoughts, questions, or feedback—let’s keep the conversation going and help each other create the coziest, most delicious meals possible. Enjoy every creamy, herb-kissed bite!

Print Recipe

Chicken Pot Pie Orzo

Author: Sophie Bennett Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 50 mins

Calories: 450

Description

This Chicken Pot Pie Orzo combines tender chicken, hearty veggies, and creamy broth with delightful orzo for a cozy, one-pan meal you'll love.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta

• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery; cook for another 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
3. Sprinkle the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the vegetables, and stir well to combine.
4. Add the flour to the skillet, stirring continuously until it is completely mixed with the vegetables and cooked, about 1 minute.
5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Add the cubed chicken breasts to the skillet, stirring frequently, cooking until the chicken is no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
7. Stir in the frozen peas and bring the mixture back to a simmer.
8. In a separate pot, cook the orzo according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
9. Add the cooked orzo pasta to the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring until well combined.
10. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and enrich the dish.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Note

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation time.
• Substitute milk with cream for a richer sauce.
• Add mushrooms for an earthy flavor addition.
• This dish is great for meal prepping; store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Try using different herbs like basil or oregano for a flavor twist.

Keywords: chicken pot pie, orzo pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, hearty meal, easy recipe