Chicken Pot Pie Pasta combines the best of two comforting favorites—creamy, hearty chicken pot pie and savory pasta dishes. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, fresh vegetables, a rich, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all coming together in one easy-to-make dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal.
Read on for a detailed recipe, helpful tips, and variations to customize this dish to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
For the Pasta Dish:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bow tie pasta works best)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken is perfect)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup diced carrots (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to coat evenly. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once the mixture thickens slightly, pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Add the dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir to combine, then let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Vegetables
Add the cooked chicken, peas, and corn to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the chicken and vegetables are heated through.
Step 6: Add the Pasta
Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 7: Optional Toppings
If desired, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dish. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt over low heat for a few minutes.
Step 8: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy the comforting, creamy flavors of Chicken Pot Pie Pasta!
Variations for Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with turkey or ham for a different twist. This is an excellent way to use up holiday leftovers.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty meal.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
- Cheese Upgrade: Experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Gouda for a richer flavor profile.
- Biscuit Topping: Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top it with biscuit dough, and bake until the biscuits are golden brown for a more traditional pot pie feel.
Cooking Notes
- Pasta Choice: Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne or bow tie hold up best in this dish. Avoid delicate pasta shapes that may become mushy.
- Chicken Options: Rotisserie chicken is a convenient choice, but you can also use leftover roasted chicken or poached chicken breasts.
- Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and chicken mixture ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator, then combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a meal on its own, but you can elevate it with the following accompaniments:
- Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad or a simple Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Bread: Pair with garlic bread, dinner rolls, or crusty French bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Beverage: Complement the dish with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or a refreshing iced tea.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to absorb some sauce after mixing.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Customize the Seasonings: Adjust the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- Reheat Gently: If reheating leftovers, do so over low heat and add a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving (based on six servings):
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 900mg
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chicken and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
3. Can I freeze Chicken Pot Pie Pasta?
While the dish can be frozen, the texture of the sauce and pasta may change slightly upon reheating. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Can I use pre-cooked vegetables?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or canned vegetables to save time. Just add them to the dish in the final step to avoid overcooking.
5. Can I make this without cream?
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the richness of the sauce.
Conclusion
Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the creamy comfort of a pot pie and the heartiness of pasta. It’s versatile, easy to make, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting guests, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a plate of this creamy, satisfying meal. Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is destined to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!