Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie in a creamy pasta dish that's perfect for any night of the week.
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta combines the rich flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie with the comfort of pasta. It's a perfect weeknight meal that your family will love!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture that satisfies your cravings
- Hearty chicken and veggies for a complete meal
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
A Comforting Classic
There's nothing quite like a comforting dish that brings together the best of both worlds—creamy pasta and the hearty goodness of a chicken pot pie. This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta recipe is not only a delicious tribute to the classic dish but also a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors you love in a different format. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It combines familiar ingredients like chicken, carrots, and peas into a quick, satisfying meal that can be made in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta dish allows you to serve up a wholesome dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover chicken, making it both economical and efficient.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're feeding a family or hosting friends for dinner, this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is versatile enough to fit any occasion. It's delicious enough to impress guests, yet simple enough for a casual weeknight meal. The creamy texture and hearty ingredients make it a comforting dish that can warm up any chilly evening.
Moreover, this recipe is easily customizable. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out the chicken for turkey or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version. This adaptability makes it a great go-to recipe for any dietary preferences or restrictions, ensuring that everyone at the table can enjoy a delicious meal.
Easy to Prepare and Clean Up
One of the best aspects of this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is how easy it is to prepare. With just one pot and one skillet needed, you'll have minimal cleanup once your meal is ready. This makes it an ideal choice for those hectic evenings when you want a home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Additionally, the steps are straightforward and require minimal prep time. From boiling the pasta to sautéing the vegetables, each step flows seamlessly into the next. You'll find that even novice cooks can tackle this recipe with confidence, producing a satisfying dish that looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add Chicken and Veggies
Add the cooked chicken, frozen peas and carrots, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and cook for about 5 minutes.
Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta, consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. The bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, while a salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess of the pasta. You could also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor.
For a bit of heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the sauce or serve with a side of spicy garlic bread. This not only enhances the flavor but gives your dish a unique twist that your guests will love.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, you're in for a treat! This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.
For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. This way, you can enjoy a comforting meal anytime you wish. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above. This makes it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks ahead.
Nutritional Benefits
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta offers not only comfort but also nutritional benefits. The inclusion of chicken provides a good source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. Meanwhile, the peas and carrots contribute vitamins A, C, and K, along with dietary fiber, promoting overall health and digestion.
Using whole grain penne pasta can enhance the fiber content even further, making this dish a well-rounded meal. With the right balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, it can satisfy your hunger while keeping you nourished and energized throughout the day.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works great in this recipe.
→ Is there a gluten-free option for the pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
→ How can I make this dish lighter?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of oil.
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie in a creamy pasta dish that's perfect for any night of the week.
Created by: Lila Morgan
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How-To Steps
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the cooked chicken, frozen peas and carrots, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and cook for about 5 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 22g