Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that combines the heartiness of chicken pot pie with the fun texture of orzo, then Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo is the perfect recipe for you. This creamy, savory dish is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it a great option for families and gatherings. Perfect for any season, this dish wraps you in a blanket of flavor that will make you feel right at home.
A Personal Story Behind My Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Journey
Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering around the table for hearty meals that brought us together. One of my fondest memories is of my grandmother making chicken pot pie from scratch. The aroma of chicken and vegetables simmering in buttery goodness filled the house, welcoming us home after a long day. This Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo recipe is inspired by those cherished moments, offering a modern twist while maintaining that comforting essence that makes you feel loved.
What Makes This Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because it combines the classic flavors of chicken pot pie with the delightful texture of orzo pasta. The use of rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also enhances the dish with rich flavors. Additionally, the creamy sauce and the vibrant vegetables create a visual and flavorful feast. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while providing a filling meal that everyone will enjoy.
The Full Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 rib celery, finely diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and diced carrots blend, or ½ cup each, thawed
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Parmesan, grated, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the thawed peas and carrots, cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the orzo. Stir to coat and toast until slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Tip: Toasting the orzo adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 10-12 minutes until orzo is mostly tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and heavy cream. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and orzo is cooked.
- Remove from heat. Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Adjust consistency if needed. Tip: If the dish is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream.
- Serve warm, garnished with parsley and extra parmesan.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
This dish is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate it further by serving it with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness. For a twist, feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. You could also sprinkle some crispy bacon on top for added crunch and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! While orzo gives a unique texture, you can substitute it with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice if preferred.
How can I make this dish vegetarian? You can omit the chicken and replace the broth with vegetable broth, adding more vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty option.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. Cook the dish when you’re ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.
Enjoy the delightful flavors of this creamy chicken orzo with vegetables!
Recipe Stats
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per Serving: 480
Servings: 6
Cozy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo
Equipment
- Large pot For cooking the orzo and ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 1 rib celery finely diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and diced carrots blend or ½ cup each, thawed
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1.5 cups orzo pasta uncooked
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken shredded
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
- 1 tablespoon parmesan grated, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add the thawed peas and carrots, cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the orzo. Stir to coat and toast until slightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 10-12 minutes until orzo is mostly tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and heavy cream. Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and orzo is cooked.
- Remove from heat. Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Adjust consistency if needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with parsley and extra parmesan.