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Bowl of creamy chicken orzo garnished with parsley on rustic table

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo

This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken and sautéed vegetables with a luscious creamy sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked orzo pasta for a quick and comforting meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked and diced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking chicken
  • 2 celery stalks finely diced
  • 2 carrots finely diced
  • 1/2 yellow onion finely diced
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sauce
  • 1/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
  • 8 ounces orzo pasta

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Pot for pasta
  • whisk

Method
 

  1. Cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add the finely diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they start to soften.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables, and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste or roux.
  5. Continue stirring the roux constantly for 2 to 3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  6. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy whipping cream, whisking to combine. Add the chicken bouillon powder and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth with no lumps and begins to thicken into a creamy sauce.
  7. Add the diced chicken to the skillet, stirring to incorporate it into the creamy sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently until it reaches the desired thickness.
  8. Stir in the cooked and drained orzo pasta until evenly combined. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce overall salt content if preferred. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Can use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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