Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe
Introduction
Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, creamy vegetables, and tender orzo pasta in a savory broth. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of chicken pot pie without the fuss of a crust.

Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted and hot.
- Step 2: Add the diced chicken and cook until it turns lightly golden on all sides.
- Step 3: Stir in the diced onion and carrots, cooking until they become soft and tender.
- Step 4: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and add the uncooked orzo pasta, stirring to combine.
- Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the orzo is cooked.
- Step 7: Stir in the frozen peas, heavy cream, dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.
- Step 8: Continue to simmer gently until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
- Step 9: Remove from heat and let the pot pie rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- You can swap frozen peas for green beans or corn depending on your preference.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme and parsley if available for brighter flavor.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be used to save time; add it during the last steps to warm through only.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the consistency if it thickens too much.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, small shells, or ditalini work well as substitutes, but cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
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Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting, creamy one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful sauce. Perfect for a hearty dinner, it mimics the classic chicken pot pie flavors with the convenience of cooking everything in a single pot.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1½ cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the fats: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter together until melted and combined.
- Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until it turns lightly golden, ensuring it’s mostly cooked through.
- Sauté vegetables: Stir in the diced onion and carrots, cooking them until they soften and become fragrant.
- Add garlic: Mix in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and add the uncooked orzo pasta, stirring to combine.
- Simmer the orzo: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
- Incorporate peas and seasonings: Stir in the frozen peas, heavy cream, dried thyme, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt, mixing well.
- Thicken the mixture: Continue to simmer the pot pie orzo until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, usually a few more minutes.
- Rest and serve: Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Feel free to use chicken thighs or breasts based on your preference; thighs offer more flavor and moisture.
- Adding frozen peas near the end preserves their color and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat easily.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken pot pie, orzo pasta, comforting dinner, one-pot meal, creamy chicken recipe

