Description
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a comforting one-pot dish combining tender shredded chicken, tender orzo pasta, and a medley of sautéed vegetables all simmered in a luscious creamy broth with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. It’s a quick and delicious alternative to traditional pot pie with the ease of stovetop preparation, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups orzo pasta
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Protein
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
Liquids & Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings & Cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Orzo: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the orzo pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the orzo and set it aside for later use.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté them until they become tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Combine Chicken and Liquids: Add the cooked shredded chicken, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
- Simmer with Seasonings: Incorporate the unsalted butter, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper into the mixture. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the cooked orzo, frozen peas, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until all ingredients are heated through and well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve warm for a comforting and creamy meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels if desired.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken works well to save time.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but reduce simmering time to prevent curdling.
- Add other vegetables like mushrooms or green beans for variation.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during simmering.
- Parmesan cheese adds a nice umami flavor; omit for a milder taste or substitute with a different hard cheese.
