Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo

I have always loved comfort food, and this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo recipe quickly became one of my favorites to make at home. It combines the cozy, savory flavors of a classic chicken pot pie with the ease and versatility of orzo pasta. The moment I first tried this dish, I was hooked by its creamy texture and the balance of tender chicken, vegetables, and herbs all in one bowl.

You will love this recipe because it’s comforting yet light, easy to prepare, and incredibly satisfying. Unlike traditional pot pies that require crusts and more time, this one uses orzo, making it quicker to cook while still capturing the same delicious essence. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish is very versatile. You can swap vegetables depending on what you have on hand, and it adapts well to different dietary needs. For instance, I use chicken ham instead of traditional ham, turkey bacon as a flavorful twist, and beef instead of pork to keep it aligned with my preferences. Plus, it’s affordable because it uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that are easy to find and budget-friendly.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

• Chicken breast, diced

• Chicken ham, chopped

• Turkey bacon, sliced

• Orzo pasta

• Carrots, diced

• Peas (fresh or frozen)

• Celery, diced

• Onion, finely chopped

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Chicken broth (or low-sodium vegetable broth)

• Heavy cream or full-fat milk

• Butter

• Flour (for thickening)

• Olive oil

• Fresh thyme and parsley

• Salt and black pepper to taste

This combination of ingredients creates a creamy, flavorful base with tender chicken and hearty vegetables, making the Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo a meal the whole family will enjoy.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Preparing this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is straightforward and rewarding. The recipe is designed to be quick and easy, perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll follow simple steps that build layers of flavor, making this dish irresistible. Plus, it’s customizable—you can adjust the vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste or what you have available.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients:
   Dice the chicken breast, chop the chicken ham, and slice the turkey bacon. Peel and dice the carrots, chop the celery, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic cloves. Measure out the orzo pasta and have your broth and cream ready.

2. Cook the turkey bacon and chicken ham:
   In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced turkey bacon and chopped chicken ham. Cook until they begin to crisp and release their flavor, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the aromatics and vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add butter and then the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step builds the base of flavor.

4. Add the chicken:
   Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink on the outside, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

5. Make the creamy sauce:
   Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer until it thickens.

6. Add cream and orzo:
   Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the orzo pasta and frozen peas. Stir everything well and reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

7. Combine turkey bacon and chicken ham:
   Once the orzo is cooked, stir the cooked turkey bacon and chicken ham back into the skillet. Mix well and adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt and pepper.

8. Finish with fresh herbs:
   Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.

This recipe is quick and easy, thanks to the use of orzo and simple cooking techniques. It’s customizable, too—you can add other vegetables like mushrooms or swap cream for a lighter milk alternative. It’s a dish that appeals to many because of its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and balanced flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is sure to be a hit.

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo

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This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo combines the rich, comforting flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie with tender orzo pasta, creating a quick and versatile meal. It’s perfect for weeknights and customizable to fit your pantry and preferences.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 25
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups diced chicken breast
• 1 cup chopped chicken ham
• ½ cup sliced turkey bacon
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup diced celery
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth (or low-sodium vegetable broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat milk)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Dice chicken breast, chop chicken ham, and slice turkey bacon. Prepare all vegetables and measure out ingredients.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook turkey bacon and chicken ham until slightly crisp; remove and set aside.
3. Add butter to skillet. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Add diced chicken to skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until chicken is opaque on the outside, about 5 minutes.
5. Sprinkle flour evenly over chicken and vegetables; stir well and cook 1–2 minutes.
6. Gradually pour in chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Simmer until sauce thickens.
7. Stir in heavy cream and add orzo pasta and peas. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes until orzo is tender. Stir occasionally.
8. Return cooked turkey bacon and chicken ham to skillet. Mix well and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk or a dairy alternative.

Feel free to swap vegetables to match what you have on hand.

Stir frequently during orzo cooking to prevent sticking.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?
A: Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells work well as substitutes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Q: Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?
A: You can use coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute to keep the dish creamy without dairy.

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can make it a day in advance and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Yes, feel free to add veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.

Q: What can I use instead of turkey bacon and chicken ham?
A: You can omit them for a vegetarian version or substitute with smoked tofu or seasoned mushrooms for a similar smoky flavor.