I remember the first time my daughter asked for Chicken Pot Pie Orzo. It was a busy weeknight, and she was craving something comforting but simple. I hadn’t thought much about combining the creamy feel of chicken pot pie with the tender texture of orzo pasta until then. When I finally made this dish, the way it brought everyone to the table surprised me. The family piled around, smiling and chatting as the warm, savory aroma filled the kitchen. Chicken Pot Pie Orzo quickly became a meal we turn to again and again. It combines the best of comforting chicken pot pie flavors with the ease of a one-pot orzo dinner everyone loves.
This Chicken Pot Pie Orzo recipe isn’t just a quick fix; it’s a meal that turns ordinary weeknights into special dinners. Over time, I learned how to balance the creaminess with just the right amount of seasoning so it always hits home with my family. The orzo cooks perfectly, soaking in that rich, savory sauce, making every bite satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a cozy weekend supper, this chicken pot pie orzo makes dinner feel like a family gathering. If you’re looking for easy chicken pot pie casserole ideas or a creamy chicken and orzo dish that’s full of flavor, this is it.
I invite you to try this Chicken Pot Pie Orzo recipe with your family. It’s approachable, forgiving, and sure to be a comforting food with orzo that brings smiles all around your table. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with other family favorite meals. If your family loves hearty, one-pot chicken dinner options, this is going to be a hit. For more meal inspiration, check out this Mediterranean chicken and orzo for something different or my chicken alfredo soup to have on hand for chilly nights.
What You’ve Need

To make this Chicken Pot Pie Orzo, gather the following ingredients. Trust me, this ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor!
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for topping
You’ll find everything for this Chicken Pot Pie Orzo at your regular grocery store, often in the pasta, produce, and dairy aisles. For the best Chicken Pot Pie Orzo, I recommend using fresh vegetables and good quality broth to deepen the flavor. If you’re short on time, frozen diced carrots and celery work just fine. This Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is forgiving if you need to swap milk for cream or chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Here’s a Chicken Pot Pie Orzo secret that makes all the difference: prepping your veggies ahead not only saves time but keeps the cooking flow smooth. My family prefers when I use shredded rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and tenderness in our Chicken Pot Pie Orzo.
How to Make It
Let’s walk through making this Chicken Pot Pie Orzo step-by-step. You’ll find it’s straightforward and rewarding. This one pot chicken dinner typically takes me about 35-40 minutes from start to finish, giving you a comforting meal without extra hassle.
- In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (around 5 minutes). Your kitchen will smell amazing already.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, watching carefully so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir well. This step thickens the sauce for that creamy chicken and orzo texture. I used to forget this part, and my Chicken Pot Pie Orzo ended up too thin!
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add the dried thyme and rosemary now. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the orzo, making sure it’s fully submerged in the broth. Cover and cook on low for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the orzo cooks evenly.
- Once the orzo is tender and most broth absorbed, add the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Pour in the milk and stir until creamy and heated through. You’ll know your Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is ready when it looks rich, creamy, and the orzo is tender but not mushy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want, sprinkle cheese on top and cover until melted for a gooey finish.
Don’t worry if your Chicken Pot Pie Orzo looks thick at first; it will loosen up with the milk. While your Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is cooking, you can prep a simple salad or gather the family around the table. If you want to keep it extra creamy, add a splash more milk toward the end.
Serving Ideas

Everyone in my family reaches for seconds when this Chicken Pot Pie Orzo comes out. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying! You can serve it straight from the pot or portion it into bowls for a cozy presentation.
I love pairing Chicken Pot Pie Orzo with a crisp green salad or some steamed green beans to balance the richness. It’s a comforting food with orzo that stands well on its own but plays nicely alongside fresh veggies or crusty bread.
This dish works wonderfully for both quick weeknight dinners and casual celebrations. For a special touch, I top it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a little extra cheese before serving.
Leftovers reheat beautifully, either in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy texture. Sometimes, I transform leftovers into a quick easy chicken pot pie casserole by adding a crunchy topping and baking it for 10 minutes.
I’ve tried variations swapping the peas for asparagus tips or swapping chicken broth for turkey broth when cooking during holidays. Each time, my family enjoys the comforting texture and flavors. If your family enjoys this creamy chicken and orzo meal, they’ll also love the chili’s chicken enchilada soup recipe for something a little different.
Your Questions Answered
I get a lot of questions about making Chicken Pot Pie Orzo, so let me help you out with some common ones:
Q: Can I make this Chicken Pot Pie Orzo ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It’s great for next-day meals. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and add a little broth or milk when reheating to keep it creamy.Q: What if I don’t have diced celery for the Chicken Pot Pie Orzo?
A: You can substitute celery with chopped fennel or even more carrots. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavors stay comforting.Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, just thaw and shred it first. Rotisserie chicken works even better for extra flavor.Q: How do I store leftover Chicken Pot Pie Orzo?
A: Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Q: Is there a way to make Chicken Pot Pie Orzo dairy-free?
A: You can swap milk with a plant-based alternative like oat milk and use dairy-free butter to keep it creamy without dairy.Q: Can I add other vegetables to the Chicken Pot Pie Orzo?
A: Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or corn work well and add extra color and nutrition.Q: What if my Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is too thick after cooking?
A: Add a bit more broth or milk while reheating to loosen it up and get that creamy texture back.
If you want another one pot chicken dinner inspired idea, check out this chicken pot pie orzo on Facebook or try this Chicken Pot Pie Orzo (One Pan!) recipe from krollskorner for a slight twist.
The Final Word
Chicken Pot Pie Orzo has earned a special place in my recipe collection because it ticks so many boxes — simple, comforting, and family-friendly. It’s a dish that’s come through the busy weeks and become a go-to when everyone needs a warm, inviting meal.
My Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Tips:
- Always stir in the flour before adding broth to get that creamy sauce just right.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for the best flavor and ease.
- Don’t be afraid to add an extra splash of milk toward the end if the dish looks too thick.
I’ve also tried this with shredded turkey after holidays, swapped in sweet potatoes instead of carrots, and added a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a sharper finish. My kids love it cheesy, while my husband prefers it with extra herbs.
I hope you find as much joy making Chicken Pot Pie Orzo as I do sharing it. It’s a recipe that brings families to the table, sparks good conversations, and fills bellies with love.
For more comforting family meals, visit MomsGate for Mediterranean chicken and orzo, chicken alfredo soup, and chili’s chicken enchilada soup recipes your whole crew will enjoy. Your kitchen will smell inviting, and your family will appreciate a meal made with care. You’ve got this — time to make Chicken Pot Pie Orzo your own family favorite!
Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
This comforting Chicken Pot Pie Orzo blends tender chicken, creamy vegetables, and flavorful sauce with tender orzo pasta for an easy twist on a classic dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add diced carrots and cook until slightly tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in butter until melted, then sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir to cook the flour for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer.
- Add orzo pasta and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in cooked chicken, peas, and heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and remove from heat.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For a crispy topping, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and cheese, then broil for 3-5 minutes before serving.

