Why Make This Recipe
Classic Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is a warm, comforting dish that combines the flavors of chicken pot pie with the delightful chewiness of orzo pasta. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken and vegetables. Plus, the creamy sauce makes it extra delicious!
How to Make Classic Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon flour
Directions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the orzo and cook according to package instructions until tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together milk and flour until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pot and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Serve warm and enjoy your hearty meal!
How to Serve Classic Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
Serve Classic Chicken Pot Pie Orzo in bowls for a cozy meal. You can add some crackers on the side for an extra crunch. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley, can also brighten the dish.
How to Store Classic Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool down before storing. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Tips to Make Classic Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
- Feel free to use any leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- You can adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand.
- For a richer flavor, add a bit more thyme or even some rosemary.
Variation
You can turn this into a creamy chicken and mushroom orzo by adding sautéed mushrooms along with the vegetables. Just be sure to sauté the mushrooms until they are tender before adding the other ingredients.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta instead of orzo?
Yes, you can use small pasta shapes like ditalini or shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with a mix of your favorite veggies or some tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How can I make it spicier?
For a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you add the chicken and broth.
Classic Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- 1 cup chicken broth Use vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn) Adjust based on available vegetables.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme For flavor.
- to taste salt and pepper
Sauce
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon flour To thicken the sauce.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Cooking
- Add the shredded chicken, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the orzo and cook according to package instructions until tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together milk and flour until smooth. Stir this mixture into the pot and cook until the sauce thickens.
Serving
- Serve warm in bowls and enjoy your hearty meal!