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cozy chicken pot pie orzo - featured image

Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe Easy One-Pot Comfort Food


  • Author: Nora Winslow
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A warm, creamy one-pot chicken pot pie inspired orzo dish that combines tender chicken, soft orzo, and cozy vegetables for a quick and comforting meal ready in about 35 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 150g)
  • 2 medium carrots, diced (about 130g)
  • 2 celery stalks, diced (about 100g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta (170g)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (960 ml), low-sodium recommended
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 300g)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (150g)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic finely. Shred or dice the cooked chicken and set all ingredients aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until veggies soften and onion is translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and thyme; cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add dry orzo to the skillet with the veggies. Stir constantly and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes to add nuttiness.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and stir. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most broth is absorbed.
  6. Remove lid and stir in heavy cream, cooked chicken, and frozen peas. Cook uncovered for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and sauce is creamy. Peas should be bright green and tender.
  7. Remove pan from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and optional lemon zest.

Notes

[‘Do not skip toasting the orzo to add subtle depth of flavor.’, ‘Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.’, ‘Simmer gently on medium-low heat to avoid sticking or uneven cooking.’, ‘Add peas at the end to keep their color and texture vibrant.’, ‘Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.’, ‘If orzo absorbs broth too quickly, add a splash of water or more broth to prevent dryness.’, ‘Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of broth or cream; avoid microwaving if possible.’, ‘This dish does not freeze well due to dairy-based sauce separation.’, ‘For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and thicken with cornstarch slurry if needed.’, ‘Protein swaps include cooked turkey, sausage, or other leftover cooked chicken.’, ‘Vegetable variations include mushrooms, green beans, zucchini, or spinach.’]

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 520
  • Fat: 14
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 28

Keywords: chicken pot pie, orzo, one-pot meal, comfort food, creamy chicken, easy dinner, quick recipe