If you’re looking for a dish that combines the comforting flavors of chicken pot pie with the heartiness of pasta, this chicken pot pie pasta recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, savory filling and crispy puff pastry, offering a unique twist on two comfort food classics.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or enjoying a cozy night at home, this recipe is versatile and satisfying. In this guide, we’ll walk through how to make this delicious dish from scratch, with step-by-step instructions, tips for variations, and expert advice on how to ensure the best results. Plus, we’ve included some outbound links to resources that will help you perfect key elements of this dish.
Why Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is the Perfect Comfort Food
The reason this dish has quickly become a favorite for so many is that it combines the best of both worlds: the creamy, savory goodness of chicken pot pie and the satisfying texture of pasta. This makes it a family-friendly meal that’s easy to adapt based on your preferences or what’s available in your pantry.
Here’s why this dish works so well:
- Versatility: You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste, making it ideal for both meat-lovers and vegetarians alike.
- Quick to Prepare: With a few time-saving hacks like using pre-cooked chicken or frozen puff pastry, you can have this meal ready in less than an hour.
- Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, meaning it’s perfect for meal prepping or having leftovers for lunch the next day.
Plus, if you’re new to working with puff pastry, you might want to check out this guide to making perfect puff pastry to ensure that your topping is golden and flaky.
Ingredients for Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
The best part about chicken pot pie pasta is that it doesn’t require complicated or expensive ingredients. Most of what you need can likely be found in your pantry or refrigerator, making it a convenient recipe for weeknights.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz penne pasta (or any other pasta you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie chicken works well for this)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
This ingredient list gives you plenty of room to customize. For instance, if you want to lighten up the dish, you can substitute low-fat milk or skip the butter in favor of olive oil. And if you’d like to make it heartier, consider adding shredded cheese or extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Now, let’s walk through the process of making this creamy, comforting dish. The recipe is simple, with clear steps that even beginner cooks can easily follow.
1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce and baked. Drain and set aside once the pasta is ready.
While penne is an excellent choice because it holds the sauce well, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like fusilli, rotini, or even elbow macaroni. Any shape that traps sauce is a good fit for this dish.
2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing them until softened, which should take around 5-7 minutes. These vegetables will add depth to the dish while also contributing to the traditional flavors of a chicken pot pie.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.
Next, sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. The flour will act as a thickener for the sauce. Let it cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
For tips on making the perfect creamy sauce, you can check out this article, which offers valuable advice on getting the texture and flavor just right.
3. Add Chicken and Vegetables
Once the sauce has reached a creamy consistency, stir in the cooked chicken, frozen peas, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
Rotisserie chicken is a great option for this recipe because it’s already cooked and full of flavor. If you’re short on time, using leftover chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken will save you a step.
For those who prefer a vegetarian option, you can easily replace the chicken with more vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas. This keeps the dish just as hearty and satisfying, while catering to different dietary preferences.
4. Combine with Pasta
Once the chicken and vegetables are heated through, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir everything together. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. This step is crucial to ensure every bite is full of flavor.
At this stage, you can also taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. The creamy sauce should be well-seasoned with a balance of savory, herby flavors from the thyme and a touch of sweetness from the peas and carrots.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet and place it over the pasta mixture. Be sure to brush the puff pastry with the beaten egg for a golden, crispy finish. Don’t forget to cut a few small slits in the pastry to allow steam to escape during baking.
The puff pastry adds a beautiful, flaky topping to the dish, making it look impressive while also offering a contrast to the creamy filling underneath. If you prefer a more traditional chicken pot pie experience, you can substitute the puff pastry with pie crust.
6. Bake and Serve
Bake the chicken pot pie pasta in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and crispy. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
The contrast between the creamy filling and the crispy puff pastry makes every bite irresistible. Serve it hot for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken pot pie pasta is a filling dish on its own, but if you’re looking for sides to complement it, here are a few ideas:
- Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots roasted with olive oil and herbs make for a nutritious and flavorful side.
- Garlic Bread: For an indulgent option, serve garlic bread or a warm baguette on the side to soak up any leftover creamy sauce.
For a sweet finish, you might consider serving a simple dessert like this easy-to-make chocolate mousse or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness of the main course.
Recipe Variations
One of the best parts about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some creative ways you can make the dish your own:
1. Vegetarian Option
If you prefer a meat-free version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables. Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers are excellent choices for creating a hearty dish. You can also use chickpeas or lentils as a protein source to make the dish more filling.
2. Spicy Kick
For those who like a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the vegetable mixture. You can also stir in a splash of hot sauce or sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the top before baking to give the dish a spicy twist.
3. Cheesy Version
To make this dish even more indulgent, mix in a layer of shredded cheese between the pasta and puff pastry before baking. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan work well. This adds a rich, cheesy layer that complements the creamy sauce.
For more inspiration on making variations of comfort food dishes, you can explore this cheesy pasta recipe collection for ideas on adding different flavors and ingredients.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
This dish is perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it to maintain its flavor and texture:
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2-3 months. Just be aware that the puff pastry may lose some of its crispness when reheated.
Reheating
- Oven: For the best results, reheat the dish in the oven at 300°F until it’s warmed through. This helps maintain the puff pastry’s crispness.
- Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the puff pastry will lose its crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes for This Recipe?
Yes! While penne is a great choice for holding the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Fusilli, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni work well, too.
2. Can I Make Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the pasta mixture in advance, store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and add the puff pastry just before baking.
3. Can I Freeze Chicken Pot Pie Pasta?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Just be sure to use a freezer-safe container and thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
4. Can I Substitute the Puff Pastry with Pie Crust?
Yes, if you prefer a more traditional chicken pot pie experience, you can substitute the puff pastry with pie crust. Follow the same baking instructions for a delicious alternative.
For more tips on freezing pasta dishes, check out this guide to freezing pasta, which offers useful advice on maintaining texture and flavor after freezing.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Chicken pot pie pasta is the ultimate comfort food fusion. It combines the rich, creamy flavors of chicken pot pie with the satisfying texture of pasta, creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for something cozy, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations. Whether you add cheese, spice, or extra vegetables, the possibilities are endless. And for more comfort food inspiration, check out buffalo chicken mac and cheese for another hearty meal option.
Enjoy cooking, and bon appétit!