Ingredients
For the Chicken and Orzo
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup peas
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon parsley
Optional Ingredients:
- Mushrooms
- Corn
- Spinach
- Cheddar cheese
- Bacon bits
Recommended Kitchenware:
- Large Dutch oven
- Nonstick cookware sets
- Wooden spoon
- Silicone spatula
- Meal prep containers
- Sharp chef’s knife
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
Using reliable cookware sets and quality cooking tools helps create even browning and better flavor.
Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic for about 5 minutes until softened.
The vegetables create the classic comforting flavor found in traditional chicken pot pie recipes.
Fresh vegetables from grocery deals or organic food brands work beautifully in this recipe.
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
Add heavy cream, thyme, parsley, and parmesan cheese.
Allow the sauce to simmer gently until smooth and creamy.
This creamy sauce creates the rich pot pie texture that makes this recipe so comforting.
Stir the orzo pasta directly into the creamy sauce.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo becomes tender and absorbs the creamy broth.
The orzo creates a thick comforting texture similar to creamy casserole dishes and homemade pot pie filling.
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the peas.
Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
Serve warm and garnish with parsley or extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Stir the orzo occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Fresh parmesan cheese creates smoother sauce texture.
- Do not overcook the orzo or it may become too soft.
- Durable cookware sets help maintain even simmering temperature.
- Store leftovers in airtight meal prep containers for up to 4 days.
Many home kitchen tips recommend slightly undercooking orzo because it continues absorbing liquid while resting.