Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a delicious fusion dish that marries the creamy, hearty flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie with the comforting, filling nature of pasta.

A creative take on two popular comfort foods—chicken pot pie (known for its savory, creamy filling) and pasta (a universally loved, carb-rich staple).

This dish offers a simple, convenient meal option for busy families, with easy ingredients and a short cooking time, making it ideal for hectic weeknights or casual family dinners.

What is Chicken Pot Pie Pasta?

Flavors and Textures: Chicken Pot Pie Pasta incorporates the rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and mixed vegetables typically found in a pot pie, but replaces the crust with your choice of pasta.
Difference from Traditional Chicken Pot Pie: Unlike the classic pie, which uses a flaky crust, this version cuts down on preparation time by using pasta, which absorbs the flavorful sauce while providing a satisfying bite.

Why Pasta Instead of Crust?: Many home cooks are swapping out the crust for pasta due to its ease of preparation, quicker cooking time, and ability to serve as a comforting, carb-heavy base without the need for baking.

Ingredients for Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

Common Ingredients List:
- Chicken: Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time, shredded or cubed.
- Vegetables: Traditional choices include peas, carrots, and celery. You can also add corn or green beans for variety.
- Creamy Sauce: The base sauce typically includes chicken broth, heavy cream, or milk. Flour is used to thicken the sauce.
- Pasta: Select pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like shells, penne, or fusilli.

Optional Add-Ons and Substitutions:
- Vegetarian options include omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu.
- Dairy-free alternatives can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream.
- Gluten-free versions can substitute gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch or gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients: The dish is highly adaptable to using pantry staples and affordable ingredients, making it a great choice for budget-conscious cooks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

Step-by-Step Cooking Process:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Shred or cube pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken, to save time.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente (firm but cooked). Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
3. Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter and cook flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream (or milk) until the sauce thickens. Add salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings.
4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in vegetables and chicken into the sauce, then add the cooked pasta. Mix everything together until well coated.
Tips for Faster Cooking:
- Use frozen vegetables to save time on chopping.
- Pre-made sauce options can reduce cooking steps.
Suggested Kitchen Equipment: A large skillet for making the sauce and mixing the pasta, a saucepan for boiling pasta, and a whisk to ensure smooth sauce.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and increase the amount of vegetables or use plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk, and use oil or dairy-free butter instead of regular butter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, and use cornstarch or gluten-free flour as a thickening agent for the sauce.

Flavor Additions:
- Enhance the dish with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or garlic for a more robust flavor profile.
- Add a sprinkle of cheese like Parmesan for extra richness if desired.

Other Customizations: You can also incorporate different proteins such as turkey, ham, or shrimp for variety.

Why Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a Perfect Comfort Food

Classic Comfort: This dish brings the essence of classic chicken pot pie—the creamy, savory sauce and comforting chicken-vegetable mix—into a one-pot pasta version.
Filling and Nostalgic: With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this pasta is filling and evokes nostalgic memories of family dinners.

Perfect for Cold Weather: Its warm, creamy texture makes it an ideal dish for colder seasons, giving that soothing comfort that many crave in winter.

Tips for Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Storing the Dish:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy.
- If microwaving, heat in short intervals, stirring often to ensure the pasta and sauce heat evenly.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prepare the sauce and store separately from the pasta for meal prep, then combine and heat when ready to serve.
- This dish can be made ahead and frozen as a complete meal for easy reheating later.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

Side Dishes:
- Pair the pasta with a light, fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
One-Pot Meal: Chicken Pot Pie Pasta can stand alone as a complete meal, offering protein, vegetables, and carbs in one dish.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve family-style in a large skillet or casserole dish.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of pasta works best with Chicken Pot Pie Pasta?
Short, sturdy pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells works best as it holds the creamy sauce well.

Can I use a different protein (like turkey or ham)?
Yes, you can substitute cooked turkey, ham, or even shrimp for the chicken to give the dish a different twist.
Can I make it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, Chicken Pot Pie Pasta can be adapted for slow cookers or Instant Pots by adjusting the cooking time and process.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, and add more vegetables to boost the nutritional value.

Can I freeze Chicken Pot Pie Pasta for later?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store in individual portions for easy meals, and reheat with some added broth or milk to maintain creaminess.

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

Author: Munil

Print Recipe

Description

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a comforting and creamy dish that combines the best of two beloved comfort foods: the classic chicken pot pie and hearty pasta. With tender chicken, a rich sauce made from chicken broth and cream, and a medley of vegetables, this pasta dish offers all the savory flavors of a chicken pot pie but skips the pie crust for a quicker, more accessible meal. It’s a one-pot wonder perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, and it’s highly customizable to suit dietary preferences or available ingredients.

Instructions

In a large skillet, boil the noodles for 8-9 minutes, according to the package. Strain the noodles and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic to simmer, if using.
Stir in the shredded chicken, then add the cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, chicken stock, milk/cream, peas, and carrots. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
Add the pasta back to the skillet and stir until the pasta is fully incorporated into the sauce.
Simmer the pasta for another 3-5 minutes, then serve and enjoy!

Notes

Chicken: Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken saves time. You can shred or cube it based on preference. Leftover turkey or ham also works well as substitutes.
Vegetables: Traditional pot pie veggies like peas, carrots, and celery are used here. Feel free to add corn, green beans, or even mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Pasta: Use short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells, which can hold the creamy sauce well. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be substituted if preferred.
Creamy Sauce: Heavy cream creates a rich, luxurious sauce, but you can substitute with milk or half-and-half for a lighter version. For dairy-free, try coconut or almond milk.
Thickening: A roux made from butter and flour thickens the sauce. Gluten-free flour or cornstarch can be used for a gluten-free version.

Cooking Notes:

Cooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to absorb the sauce after mixing. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Making the Sauce: Whisking the broth and cream slowly into the roux helps avoid lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce. You can also adjust the thickness by adding more or less flour.
Combining: After adding the vegetables and chicken to the sauce, mix in the pasta while it’s still warm. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors and sauce evenly.

Customization Tips:

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and load up on extra vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach. Tofu or tempeh can also be added for plant-based protein.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce.
Flavor Enhancements: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley add depth to the dish. For extra richness, a sprinkle of Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese works wonders.

Healthier Alternatives: Use low-fat milk or light cream to reduce the calorie content. Increase the vegetable ratio for added nutrients and fiber.

Storage and Reheating Notes:

Storage: Leftover Chicken Pot Pie Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring often to prevent the sauce from breaking.

Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. To freeze, cool completely and store in portioned, freezer-safe containers. Reheat with extra liquid to ensure the sauce stays creamy.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the pasta.
Garlic bread or dinner rolls make a great side for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Garnish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan for a restaurant-quality presentation.