When I made this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo, the kitchen smelled cozy and comforting.
The orzo soaked up the creamy sauce, filled with tender chicken and soft veggies in every bite.
I remember tasting it right from the pan—it felt like pot pie without all the work.
This dish is warm, hearty, and full of homemade flavor.
It’s perfect for chilly nights or when you want an easy one-pan dinner.
Let’s make it together—you’ll love how creamy and comforting it turns out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the Flavor, Less Work: Get that classic chicken pot pie taste without rolling out dough or waiting for a pie to bake.
- One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks together in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this creamy, satisfying dish.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: From start to finish in about 45 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the vegetables ahead of time or make the whole dish and reheat for easy meals.

What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 6 people as a main dish. Want to feed more? Simply double the ingredients and use a larger pot.
Difficulty: Easy for beginners. The recipe uses simple techniques like sautéing and simmering that anyone can master.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
This recipe brings together simple ingredients that create amazing flavor and texture. The orzo pasta cooks right in the creamy broth, soaking up all the delicious flavors while the vegetables add color and nutrition.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Orzo Pasta: This rice-shaped pasta is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Celery: Adds classic pot pie flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Carrots: Bring sweetness and color to the dish.
- Onion: Provides a savory base flavor.
- Butter: Creates richness in the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken and prevents sticking.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
- Chicken Bouillon Powder: Boosts the chicken flavor throughout.
- Flour: Thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.

Variations for Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
- Add Peas: Stir in frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and sweetness.
- Use Different Pasta: Swap orzo for small shells, ditalini, or elbow macaroni.
- Add Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley bring an herby brightness to the dish.
- Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Try Turkey: Use leftover turkey instead of chicken for a post-holiday meal.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion, celery, and carrots into small, even pieces so they cook at the same rate.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add butter. Once melted, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
4. Make the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat everything. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux that will thicken your sauce.
5. Add the Liquids
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the chicken bouillon powder and stir until dissolved. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Cook the Orzo
Add the orzo pasta to the pot. Stir well and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The orzo should be tender and have absorbed much of the liquid.
7. Finish with Cream
Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Pour in the heavy cream and stir everything together. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and thick. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serving and Decoration
Serve the Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo in wide bowls to show off its creamy texture. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for a simple, elegant touch. This dish is hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal, but you can serve it with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce or a simple green salad for added freshness.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
This dish is wonderful on its own, but here are some great serving ideas:
- With Bread: Serve alongside crusty French bread, dinner rolls, or garlic bread.
- With Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- In Bread Bowls: Hollow out round bread loaves and fill them with the creamy orzo for a fun presentation.
- As Leftovers: Pack in containers for lunch the next day. The flavors get even better overnight.
Storing Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. The orzo may absorb some liquid when reheated, so add a splash of broth or cream when warming.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

Tips and Tricks for Success
- Cut Evenly: Make sure your vegetables and chicken are cut into similar sizes so everything cooks evenly.
- Stir Regularly: Orzo can stick to the bottom of the pot, so stir it every few minutes while it cooks.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken just until done to keep it tender and juicy.
- Add Liquid if Needed: If the dish seems too thick, add more chicken broth a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season as You Go: Taste the dish before serving and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
- Use Quality Broth: Good chicken broth makes a big difference in flavor. Homemade is wonderful, but quality store-bought works great too.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 445 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 680mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
PrintCreamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 and 1/2 cups (270g) orzo pasta
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
- 3 tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dice onion, celery, and carrots into small, even pieces.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: Add butter to the same pot. Once melted, add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften.
Make Roux: Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Add Liquids: Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring. Add chicken bouillon powder and stir until dissolved. Bring to a simmer.
Cook Orzo: Add orzo to the pot. Stir well and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.
Finish Dish: Return chicken to pot. Pour in heavy cream and stir. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce is creamy and thick. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo FAQs
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and add extra richness to the dish.
You can substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti.
Try using coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and substitute the butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter.
Cook just until tender and serve promptly. The orzo continues to absorb liquid as it sits.
Absolutely. Peas, green beans, corn, or mushrooms all work beautifully in this dish.
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo brings all the cozy comfort of traditional chicken pot pie to your table in half the time. The tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and creamy sauce come together with orzo pasta to create a dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or looking for a comforting meal to share with friends, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every spoonful. Give it a try, and it just might become your new favorite comfort food.