If you crave the comfort of classic chicken pot pie but want something a little more weeknight-friendly, you’re in for a treat with Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo. This cozy one-pan meal captures everything you love about the timeless casserole—rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables—then nestles it all in delicate orzo pasta. Every bite is pure comfort: creamy and satisfying, flecked with veggies, and finished in under an hour. Whether you’re serving family dinner or just want a comforting bowl on a chilly night, Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is about to become a new staple in your rotation.

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is how a handful of pantry and fridge staples come together in the most satisfying way. Each ingredient plays a crucial part in building layers of savory flavor and velvety richness—just a little chopping and a few clever steps pays off in a dish that tastes like hours in the kitchen.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use cooked and diced chicken for tender, protein-packed bites that soak up all the sauce.
Onion Powder: Adds deep onion flavor without any extra chopping—perfect for layering taste into the chicken itself.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the chicken with a mild garlicky kick that complements the creamy sauce.
Paprika: Brings a lovely warmth and subtle color to the chicken seasoning.
Orzo Pasta: This small, rice-shaped pasta is the secret to a luscious, spoonable texture that mimics the inside of a chicken pot pie.
Celery Stalks (finely diced): Adds classic pot pie crunch and bright vegetal flavor.
Carrots (finely diced): Brings sweetness and color, echoing that signature chicken pot pie taste.
Yellow Onion (finely diced): Softens to add an aromatic, savory backbone to the sauce.
Butter: Essential for richness and the base of the roux, which thickens the entire dish.
Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken and veggies without burning the butter.
Chicken Broth: Infuses the sauce with savory depth and keeps things perfectly moist.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Guarantees creamy, luxurious texture in every bite.
Chicken Boullion Powder: A flavor-booster that deepens the chicken essence in the sauce.
All Purpose Flour: Key for thickening—whisk it with sautéed veggies to create a smooth, classic roux.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Begin by generously seasoning the chicken breasts with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, a pinch of salt, and cracked black pepper. Drizzle a splash of olive oil into a skillet, set it over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken until golden and just done (internal temp of 165 degrees). Dice it into bite-sized pieces once cool enough to handle—the perfect savory cubes to add later.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Start the Roux

In your largest skillet, add the butter and a bit more olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies begin to soften and the kitchen smells just like pot pie night. Now, reduce the heat to low and sprinkle over the flour. Whisk it right in until a thick paste (roux) forms around the vegetables.

Step 3: Add Liquid & Create the Creamy Sauce

Continuously stir the roux for another 2 to 3 minutes to toast off any raw flour flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking, making sure to get rid of every little lump. Add the bouillon powder at this stage. Keep whisking as the sauce gently thickens into a dreamy, silky mixture—this is the base that sets Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo apart!

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Orzo

Add the diced chicken back to the pan, nestling it into the creamy veggie sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until everything is heated through and has reached your desired thickness. Finally, stir in the drained, cooked orzo. Mix well to ensure every grain is smothered in that irresistible sauce. Serve immediately, and watch the smiles appear.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo

Garnishes

For a fresh finish, try sprinkling chopped parsley, a grind of black pepper, or a dash of paprika right before serving. A bit of grated parmesan is delicious too, especially if you love things extra creamy and savory.

Side Dishes

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo shines as a one-bowl meal, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, fluffy dinner rolls, or roasted green beans. Bright, acidic sides balance the creaminess and elevate the whole feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Spoon Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo into individual ramekins and top each with a round of puff pastry, baked until golden for a whimsical pot-pie twist. Or, serve it family style in a pretty casserole dish alongside your favorite winter vegetables for a true comfort-food centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo will stay delicious and creamy for up to three days—not that it ever lasts that long!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-friendly containers. It will keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen up the sauce, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir well to bring back that silky, creamy texture—good as new!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a speedy shortcut that brings just as much flavor. Simply shred or dice and stir it in as directed in the final steps.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a vegan alternative and use canned coconut cream or an unsweetened non-dairy creamer in place of the heavy cream. Choose a plant-based bouillon if needed.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to stir in peas, corn, or even frozen mixed vegetables along with the chicken for extra color and variety—they all work beautifully in Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo.

Can I substitute another pasta for orzo?

Small pasta shapes such as ditalini, pearl couscous, or even tiny shells can step in if orzo isn’t available. The texture will be slightly different but will still soak up every drop of creamy sauce.

How do I avoid the sauce getting too thick?

If your orzo absorbs more liquid than expected, just add extra broth or a splash of milk while reheating or serving—this brings it right back to creamy, luscious perfection!

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is so loved—it’s everything we crave in a cozy meal, but simple enough for any day of the week. I hope you’ll give it a try and watch it become an instant classic at your table. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 17 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting and delicious one-pot meal that combines the flavors of a classic pot pie with orzo pasta in a creamy sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Instructions

Cook the Orzo: Prepare the orzo per package instructions. Season and cook the chicken, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, sauté onion, carrots, and celery in butter and olive oil. Add flour to make a roux.
Prepare Creamy Sauce: Whisk in chicken broth and cream until thickened. Add diced chicken and simmer.
Combine: Stir in cooked orzo, mix well. Serve and enjoy!