Description
Learn how to make delicious Deliciously Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Perfect. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or olive oil for a lighter option)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced into small pieces
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup orzo pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (substitute vegetable broth for a lighter flavor)
- 1 cup whole milk or 2% milk (for extra creaminess, use half-and-half)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- Start by melting the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the carrots start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This is the moment I remind myself that garlic can quickly go from fragrant to bitter, so keep an eye on it!
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste; you’ll notice the mixture thickening slightly and becoming a bit pasty—that’s perfect.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. The mixture will begin to thin out into a smooth sauce. Bring it to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, add the orzo pasta and dried herbs (thyme and rosemary). Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The orzo should be just tender but still have a slight bite.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, frozen peas, and milk. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the peas are heated through and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency. If it gets too thick, add a splash more milk or broth.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. This is where your palate guides you—don’t be shy with seasoning. I remember spending a long time tasting and adjusting when I first started cooking for my family, and it’s one of the most important steps.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. A quick sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and brightness that Eli always seems to notice before he dives in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Deliciously Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Perfect, recipe, cooking, food
