There’s something about Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Maybe it’s the creamy sauce, the tender chicken, or the fact that orzo is basically pasta’s cuter, cozier cousin. Whatever it is, this dish checks all the boxes for comfort food without the hassle of rolling out pie crust.
As a Texas mom of three, I don’t always have time for “fancy” dinners, but I do want meals that feel homemade, wholesome, and comforting. This one hits the spot every time—plus, it’s a one-pot wonder. (Translation: fewer dishes to wash, and I’ll happily take that win.)
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
- Quick & easy – Dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
- One pot – Minimal cleanup, which means more time for Netflix or chasing kids around.
- Cozy & comforting – It’s basically chicken pot pie without the fuss of pastry.
- Family-friendly – Even picky eaters usually go for seconds.
If you’ve tried my Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Wild Rice Soup or Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup, this dish will feel like the perfect addition to your cozy-dinner lineup.
What Does Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Taste Like?
Imagine the heart of a classic chicken pot pie—the creamy sauce, tender veggies, juicy chicken—but instead of being tucked under a crust, it’s all tossed with velvety orzo pasta. It’s creamy, savory, slightly buttery, and deeply satisfying.
Think comfort food meets pasta night.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
When it comes to making Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo, the beauty is that you don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together in the most comforting way. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start:
- Chicken breasts (2, boneless & skinless): The heart of the dish! Tender, juicy chicken makes this recipe filling and protein-packed. You can also swap in shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re pressed for time. (Busy weeknights, I see you.)
- Orzo pasta (8 ounces): This tiny rice-shaped pasta cooks up quickly and soaks up the creamy sauce like a dream. If you love orzo, you might also enjoy my Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup for another cozy dinner idea.
- Carrots (2, finely diced): Classic pot pie flavor starts here. They add sweetness, color, and a little crunch before softening in the sauce.
- Celery stalks (2, finely diced): Essential for that comforting pot pie flavor base. Celery adds depth and balances out the richness.
- Yellow onion (½, finely diced): When sautéed in butter and olive oil, it builds a savory, aromatic foundation.
- Butter (5 tablespoons): Because what’s comfort food without a little buttery goodness? It helps create the roux that thickens the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Balances the butter and prevents burning when sautéing veggies.
- All-purpose flour (⅓ cup): The secret to a thick, velvety sauce. Cook it into a roux before adding the liquid.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Brings savory depth and ensures the sauce isn’t too heavy. Homemade broth is amazing, but store-bought works just fine.
- Heavy whipping cream (½ cup): The magic that makes this dish irresistibly creamy and indulgent.
- Chicken bouillon powder (1 teaspoon): Adds an extra boost of chicken flavor—like a little secret weapon for coziness.
- Seasonings: A mix of onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, plus a little salt and black pepper. These simple spices bring out all the comforting flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Each of these ingredients plays a role in making Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo the ultimate comfort food. They may be simple pantry staples, but when combined, they turn into a cozy one-pot dinner that tastes like it simmered all day—even if you whipped it up in under 30 minutes.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
Cooking Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is easier than you might think! Everything comes together in one skillet, and the process is as cozy as the dish itself. Follow these step-by-step instructions for guaranteed creamy, dreamy success:
Step 1: Cook the Orzo
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orzo pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside. Don’t worry if it seems a little firm—it will finish softening once it’s stirred into the creamy sauce later.
(Love orzo? You’ll also enjoy my Vegetable Orzo Soup for another cozy one-pot meal idea.)
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the orzo cooks, season the chicken breasts generously with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Once cooked, remove from the skillet, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then dice it into bite-sized cubes.
👉 Shortcut Tip: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here—just shred it and skip this step (but omit the extra seasonings, since it’s already seasoned).
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, melt 5 tablespoons of butter with the remaining olive oil. Add in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften and start releasing that classic pot pie aroma.
This is where the base of your Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo starts to come alive.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the softened vegetables. Stir continuously with a spatula or whisk to coat the veggies and create a paste-like mixture (this is your roux). Allow it to cook for 2–3 minutes.
👩🍳 Why this matters: Cooking the flour helps get rid of that raw taste, leaving you with a silky smooth sauce. Patience here pays off!
Step 5: Add the Liquid and Make It Creamy
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Once it’s incorporated, add the heavy whipping cream and chicken bouillon powder. Continue whisking until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.
It should coat the back of a spoon—rich, velvety, and oh-so-cozy.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Add the diced chicken back into the skillet and stir. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes so the flavors marry together.
Finally, add the cooked orzo, stirring well to coat each grain in that luscious creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings with a little extra salt or pepper, if needed.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo into bowls while it’s warm and creamy. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Pair it with a crisp green salad or warm crusty bread for a complete comfort dinner.
And that’s it—you’ve just made a skillet of pure comfort, no pie crust required!
👉 Jessica’s Tip: I often make this recipe on Sunday evenings because it reheats beautifully for lunches the next day. Much like my Chicken Meatball Soup, it’s one of those cozy meals that tastes even better after the flavors settle.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
- Shortcut chicken: Use rotisserie chicken to save time (skip the extra seasonings).
- Frozen veggie hack: No shame in a shortcut—frozen mixed veggies work beautifully here.
- Roux patience: Don’t rush the flour step. Cooking it a few minutes keeps your sauce from tasting “floury.”
- Make it lighter: Swap half-and-half for heavy cream if you want it a little less rich.
- Meal prep magic: Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Personal confession: This has become my “Sunday reset” dinner—easy enough to throw together after church, but cozy enough to carry us into the week.
Storage for Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Add a splash of broth or milk before reheating to bring back the creaminess.
- Freezer: Not recommended—the cream and pasta don’t freeze well together.
FAQs
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free orzo and substitute cornstarch slurry (instead of flour) to thicken the sauce.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap butter for olive oil and use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream.
What can I serve it with?
It’s hearty enough on its own, but a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad works perfectly.
Conclusion
If you’re craving comfort food without the fuss, Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is your answer. It’s quick, creamy, and packed with cozy flavor—perfect for family dinners, Sunday resets, or any night you need a little kitchen hug.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
Print
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo: A Cozy One-Pot Comfort Dinner
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a cozy one-pot dinner that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and orzo pasta in a rich, creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked & diced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces orzo pasta
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- ½ yellow onion, finely diced
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
1. Cook the orzo per the package instructions. Season the chicken breasts with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt and black pepper. Add a splash of olive oil to the skillet and cook it over medium high heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Dice it into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter is melted, add in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the veggies. Whisk together until it forms a paste (roux).
4. While stirring constantly, allow the roux to cook for 2-3 minutes, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream. Whisk until no clumps remain and the mixture starts to thicken.
5. Add in the diced chicken and allow the mixture to simmer until it reaches the desired thickness.
6. Pour in the drained orzo and stir to combine. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
You can use rotisserie chicken but if you do, be sure to omit the extra seasonings.
You can use frozen veggies to save time but be sure to cook them down until they are soft.
