Vermont's Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta: A One-Pot Comfort Classic!

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In Vermont, where the winters are long and chilly, comfort food is a must. When the snow starts falling, nothing warms the soul quite like a creamy, hearty dish packed with familiar flavors. That's where Chicken Pot Pie Pasta comes in—a delicious twist on the classic chicken pot pie, this recipe offers all the comforting goodness you crave without the hassle of making a traditional pie. With just one pot and less than half an hour of cooking time, it's perfect for those busy evenings when you want something rich, creamy, and satisfying.

Vermont's winters are known for inspiring hearty, home-cooked meals, and Chicken Pot Pie Pasta fits right into that tradition. Combining tender rotisserie chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy orzo pasta, this dish is the perfect blend of hearty and light. Unlike heavier versions that use heavy cream, this one keeps things creamy with whole milk and just a bit of butter. The result is a dish that’s rich but not overly heavy, making it perfect for family dinners on cold Vermont nights.

This recipe is ideal for those looking for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. By using one pot and a few shortcuts, like pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and frozen vegetables, you can have everything prepped, cooked, and served in less time than it takes to bundle up and brave the Vermont winter. Plus, the combination of vegetables and orzo pasta makes it a hit with kids, too!

Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie Pasta – Vermont Style

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups mixed chopped celery, onion, and carrots
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste
• 12-oz bag frozen diced vegetables
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp each of dried thyme and dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp celery seed
• 2 tsp chicken bouillon powder
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 1/4 cups whole milk
• 1 1/2 cups dry orzo pasta
• 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping

Preparation:

Step 1: Start by gathering all your ingredients to make the cooking process smooth and quick. Heat the olive oil in a large, nonstick pot over medium heat.

Step 2: Add the chopped celery, onion, and carrots to the hot oil. Stir occasionally and cook for 6-8 minutes until the vegetables are softened and lightly golden around the edges.

Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, adding salt and pepper to taste. Next, toss in the frozen vegetables, stirring for another minute to thaw. Remove this vegetable mix from the pot and set aside.

Step 4: Keeping the heat at medium, melt the butter in the same pot. Stir in the flour and cook for one minute, making a simple roux.

Step 5: Whisk in the thyme, parsley, garlic powder, celery seed, and chicken bouillon powder. Slowly pour in the chicken stock while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the mixture thicken for a couple of minutes.

Step 6: Add the uncooked orzo and milk to the pot. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, lower the heat and cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring often to keep the orzo from sticking.

Step 7: After the orzo is tender, but the dish still has a creamy, soupy consistency, add the reserved vegetables and diced rotisserie chicken. Stir gently to combine and turn off the heat.

Step 8: Stir in 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan, allowing it to melt into the dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.

Step 9: The texture should be creamy like risotto. If it seems too thick, thin it with a little extra milk. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top and, if you like, warm biscuits on the side.

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a warm, comforting dish that perfectly complements Vermont’s cold seasons. The creamy orzo and tender chicken combine for a flavor that's both familiar and exciting. It’s the ideal meal to enjoy after a long day of snowshoeing or skiing, or just as a cozy night in with the family. Whether you're serving it up on a cold evening or bringing it to a potluck, this Vermont-inspired Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is bound to bring smiles to the table.

Sources:

• Food Network Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
• AllRecipes Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
• Bon Appetit Orzo Chicken Recipes