🥣 Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo (All the Comfort, None of the Crust!)

by

Think of this dish as your favorite chicken pot pie—with a twist! No crust, no casserole dish—just tender chicken, cozy veggies, and a velvety cream sauce folded into orzo pasta. It’s everything you love about pot pie… in a single skillet!

🧾 Recipe Card

Servings: 5
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Dietary Tags: High-Protein, Family-Friendly, W-W Friendly Modifications

Ingredients Checklist

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked & diced)

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • Salt & black pepper to taste

  • 8 oz orzo pasta

  • 2 celery stalks (finely diced)

  • 2 carrots (finely diced)

  • ½ yellow onion (finely diced)

  • 5 tbsp butter

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream

  • 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder

  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

I. Introduction

I’ve long believed comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated—and this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo proves it. It’s got all the warmth and nostalgia of pot pie, but made modern and weeknight-friendly with orzo pasta taking the place of pastry crust.

It’s creamy, rich, and feels indulgent, but with plenty of shortcuts and swaps to lighten it up if needed. Think stovetop pot pie meets pasta night!

II. Step-by-Step Guide 🍽️

1. Cook the Orzo

Follow package instructions. Drain, drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

2. Season & Sauté the Chicken

Season chicken with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then dice.

3. Sauté the Veggies

Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and aromatic.

4. Make the Roux

Lower heat. Sprinkle flour over the veggies and whisk to form a thick paste. Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes to cook off any raw flour taste.

5. Create the Sauce

Gradually add broth and cream while whisking to smooth out any lumps. Let simmer until thickened.

6. Add Chicken & Orzo

Stir in bouillon powder, diced chicken, and cooked orzo. Let everything simmer together until creamy and well combined.

7. Serve & Enjoy

Serve warm in bowls. Sprinkle with cracked pepper or fresh thyme if desired.

III. Ingredient Insights & Swaps

Ingredient Why It’s Here Substitutions & W-W Tips
Chicken Lean protein, classic pot pie flavor Use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey
Orzo Pasta that mimics creamy rice texture Sub with whole wheat orzo or cauliflower rice for low-carb
Heavy Cream Creates rich, velvety sauce Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or Greek yogurt
Butter & Flour Roux base for thickening Use light butter or omit 1 tbsp for lower fat
Bouillon Powder Adds concentrated chicken flavor Use low-sodium broth and herbs instead

IV. Variations & Serving Ideas

Add-ins:

  • Frozen peas or green beans

  • Mushrooms for umami boost

  • Spinach or kale stirred in at the end

W-W Friendly Options:

  • Reduce butter to 2 tbsp and use olive oil spray

  • Replace cream with low-fat milk and add extra broth

  • Swap white pasta for whole wheat or chickpea orzo

What to Serve With:

  • Garlic roasted green beans

  • Simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette

  • Buttery crackers or crusty bread (for the full pot pie feel!)

V. Storage & Make-Ahead

Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Reheat:
Warm gently on stovetop or in microwave. Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen if needed.

Freeze:
Cool completely, store in freezer-safe containers up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat as above.

Make-Ahead Tip:
You can cook the chicken and orzo in advance—just fold them into the sauce when ready to serve.

VI. Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 495

  • Protein: 29 g | Carbs: 38 g | Fat: 26 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

  • W-W Points: ~8–10 (with lighter swaps: ~6)

Allergens: Contains dairy and gluten. Use GF orzo and plant-based cream for allergy-friendly version.

VII. FAQs

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely—great shortcut! Just season lightly before adding.

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Yes—use veggie broth, skip the chicken, and add mushrooms or white beans.

Q: What’s the best way to thicken if it’s too runny?
A: Simmer uncovered a few extra minutes or add a slurry of 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water.

VIII. Kristy’s Kitchen Note

I created this recipe on a rainy weeknight with leftover chicken and pantry staples. The result? A creamy, soul-soothing dish that’s now on regular rotation in my kitchen. It’s cozy, versatile, and comes together in one pot—what more could we ask for?

IX. More Cozy, Creamy Meals to Try

  • [W-W Creamy Tuscan Chicken Skillet]

  • [Lightened Chicken Alfredo Bake]

  • [Savory Mushroom & Barley Risotto]

  • [W-W Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bowl]

X. Comfort in Every Bite! 🥣

Made this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Tag me @KristyCookEats or leave a review below. This is the kind of cozy recipe that brings families to the table—and seconds to their bowls.

Let’s keep cooking joy, one creamy bowl at a time. 💛

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