There’s something eternally comforting about a classic chicken pot pie. Now imagine all that warmth and flavor transformed into a delightful pasta dish! That’s exactly what you’ll find in this Classic Chicken Pot Pie Pasta recipe. It combines all the nourishing elements of the traditional pot pie—tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy sauce—with the ease of a pasta meal. Whether you’re having a cozy family dinner on a weeknight or a casual gathering with friends, this dish is both heartwarming and satisfying.
Why make this recipe
What makes this recipe special
You might be wondering why you should give this recipe a try, and the answer is simple. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution. With only a handful of ingredients, this dish comes together effortlessly, crunching the cooking time without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s budget-friendly—who doesn’t love a meal that won’t break the bank?
Just picture it: a chilly evening, and this creamy, warm pasta is on the dinner table—kids and adults alike will eagerly dive in. One happy home cook raves, “My family can’t get enough of this comforting dish! It’s become a weekly staple in our house.”
The cooking process explained
So, how does this delicious dish come together? It starts with cooking some pasta, then sautéing chicken and vegetables, before blending everything harmoniously in a creamy sauce. It’s a simple process, yet the result is a dish that feels like a warm hug. Gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Key ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delectable recipe:
- 8 ounces of pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Feel free to modify the recipe; for instance, you can swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for your favorites or use leftover turkey instead of chicken!
Step-by-step instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and frozen mixed vegetables, sautéing them together for about 3-4 minutes.
- Next, stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper, allowing the spices to infuse the chicken and vegetables.
- Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Once simmering, add the heavy cream, stirring well, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Finally, mix in the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well combined. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Serve the dish warm, and get ready to enjoy this comforting meal!
How to serve Classic Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Best ways to enjoy it
To elevate your serving experience, consider plating the pasta into individual bowls garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh thyme. A side of warm, crusty bread pairs beautifully, perfect for sopping up that creamy sauce. If you’re in the mood for something fresh, a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette works wonders to balance the richness of the pasta.
Storage and reheating tips
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you find yourself with any leftovers (which might be unlikely, given how delicious it is!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Classic Chicken Pot Pie Pasta keeps well for about 3-4 days. When reheating, you can use the microwave or a skillet on low heat. If the pasta appears dry, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream will help revive its creamy texture.
Helpful cooking tips
Pro chef tips
For the best results, consider these helpful cooking tips:
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente is your friend. This ensures it maintains its texture when mixed with the sauce.
- Feel free to enhance the flavor by adding a splash of white wine to the broth before simmering. The acidity will bring a nice depth to the dish.
- If you’re looking for a shortcut, using rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch saves time while still packing in flavor.
Creative twists
Recipe variations
There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! Here are a few variations to try:
- Swap in different pasta shapes, like fusilli or farfalle, for a fun twist.
- For a healthier option, substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream alternative.
- If you’re aiming for a little extra crunch, top the pasta with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking for a few minutes to create a delightful crust.
Your questions answered
FAQ
1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can add a wonderful crunch and flavor. Just be sure to sauté them until they’re tender before combining them with the chicken.
2. Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat and serve. However, if you’re going to be reheating, consider slightly undercooking the pasta so it doesn’t become mushy.
3. Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
4. How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The total preparation and cooking time is about 30-40 minutes, making it quick and easy for a weeknight dinner.
5. What type of pasta works best for this dish?
While penne and rotini are excellent choices due to their ability to hold sauce, feel free to use your favorite pasta!
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring your broth is gluten-free, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit gluten-free diets.
7. What can I do if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter for a lighter version.
8. How can I make it spicier?
If you’re looking to add a kick, consider stirring in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
Classic Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Description
A comforting pasta dish that combines all the flavors of classic chicken pot pie with the ease of a quick pasta meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and frozen mixed vegetables, sauté for about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- Add heavy cream, stirring well, and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Mix in the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined; adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth before simmering. Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg