Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
The best dinners often come from blending familiar favorites in new ways. Chicken pot pie pasta takes everything comforting about a classic chicken pot pie—creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables—and weaves it into a hearty pasta dish. This recipe creates a one-pan weeknight meal that brings together convenience, flavor, and nostalgia.
Everyone at my table loves this dish for its creamy texture and satisfying flavors. With pantry staple ingredients, you can have Chicken Pot Pie Pasta on the table in under 40 minutes. The technique is straightforward, cleanup is minimal, and the delight factor is high. Let’s dive in.
What is Chicken Pot Pie Pasta?
This dish blends the best parts of a chicken pot pie—creamy filling, savory vegetables, and tender meat—with the ease of a stovetop pasta skillet. Instead of a pastry crust, toothsome egg noodles serve as the base. Every forkful gives you that classic pot pie flavor while keeping the meal fun and fuss-free. The result is both filling and cozy, offering both nostalgia and convenience.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting pasta, plus some swaps for flexibility:
Ingredient | Role in the Dish | Possible Substitutions |
---|---|---|
Egg noodles | Heart of the pasta, soaks up sauce | Penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta |
Cooked chicken breast | Protein, adds heft | Rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey |
Butter (unsalted) | Roux base, deepens flavor | Olive oil or margarine |
All-purpose flour | Thickens the creamy sauce | Gluten-free blend (for GF version) |
Chicken broth | Enhances savory profile | Vegetable broth |
Heavy cream | Gives sauce its signature richness | Half-and-half or whole milk |
Onion and garlic | Aromatic base | Shallots or leeks |
Carrots, peas, corn | Classic pot pie veggie blend | Mixed frozen vegetables |
Dried thyme & rosemary | Herbaceous notes | Italian seasoning, parsley |
Salt and pepper | Balance flavors | To taste |
Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional) | Adds crunch | Panko, fried onions |
Fresh parsley (optional) | Lively finish | Chives or dill |
Use what you have and adjust for dietary needs. The most important thing is building a creamy, flavorful sauce with layered texture.
Step-by-Step: Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Let’s break it down for ease and confidence at the stove.
Prepare Your Ingredients
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Chop onion, garlic, carrots (if using fresh), and parsley.
- Shred or dice cooked chicken.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil egg noodles until just shy of al dente, about 2 minutes less than package suggests.
- Drain and set aside. The pasta will finish cooking as it absorbs sauce later.
Start the Flavor Base
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in carrots. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Build the Creamy Roux
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Stir constantly until a paste forms and the raw flour smell disappears, about 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth, pausing to stir out lumps.
Simmer the Sauce
- Add the cream. Let the mixture simmer over medium-low, stirring often, until thick and velvety, about 5 minutes.
- Toss in the peas and corn, mixing until well combined.
Bring it Together
- Add cooked chicken and drained noodles to the skillet.
- Stir until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
Finishing Touches
- For extra indulgence, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top. Place the pan under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns.
- Top with fresh parsley and, if desired, crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for that pie crust crunch.
Tips for Creamy, Flavorful Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Some small steps make a big difference in flavor and texture:
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience and robust flavor.
- Thoroughly thaw and pat dry frozen veggies. Wet vegetables can thin out the sauce.
- Stir flour in evenly and cook until it smells nutty, not raw.
- Let the cream simmer at gentle heat. High heat can cause curdling or scorched milk flavor.
- If substituting pasta, choose shapes with ridges or curves to hold more sauce. Bowties, penne, and rotini all work beautifully.
- For a gluten-free version, opt for cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free pasta.
Serving Suggestions
While this pasta stands on its own, a few side suggestions can round out your meal:
- Crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or sautéed spinach
- Warm dinner rolls or flaky biscuits
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli for added veggies
Pair it with a tall glass of iced tea or a light white wine for grown-ups.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is meal prep friendly and keeps well for days:
Storing Leftovers
- Cool the pasta completely. Store it in a well-sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Avoid freezing, as cream-based sauces tend to separate and noodles can turn mushy.
Reheating
- For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to bring back creaminess.
- Individual portions can be microwaved in short bursts, stirring between intervals.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep diced chicken and veggies in advance.
- Grate or measure out cheese toppings ahead.
- If serving a crowd, assemble everything in a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs or cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes to reheat and crisp the topping.
Customization: Variations and Dietary Adjustments
Chicken pot pie pasta flexes to fit tastes, seasons, and dietary needs. Here are a few creative tweaks:
- Swap the meat: Use turkey, ham, or cooked pork.
- Go vegetarian: Replace chicken with white beans or chickpeas, or add extra mushrooms.
- Add bacon or pancetta: Fry before cooking the veggies for a smoky flavor.
- Make it spicy: Toss in crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Boost the veggies: Add diced bell peppers, celery, or spinach.
- Cheesy casserole: Mix in shredded cheese, pour the mixture into a baking dish, and top with panko and cheese. Broil until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken?
Yes. Dice raw chicken, season, and sauté in butter before starting the vegetables. Remove, set aside, and follow the rest of the recipe as written.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Let the sauce simmer uncovered to reduce, or whisk together a spoonful of flour with some cream and whisk it in. Simmer for a few extra minutes.
Can I make this dairy free?
Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of butter, and replace cream with coconut milk or an unflavored non-dairy creamer.
What’s the best pasta shape if I don’t have egg noodles?
Penne, rotini, farfalle, or shells all grab onto the sauce well.
Chicken Pot Pie Pasta brings together comfort, practicality, and flavor in one pan. With its creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and colorful bursts of vegetables, it’s the kind of meal that satisfies on busy nights and cozy weekends alike. You can personalize it with mix-ins and toppings, scale it up for guests, or portion it out for lunches on the go.
Whether you grew up on classic chicken pot pies or you’re looking for a new way to use up leftover chicken and pantry staples, this recipe promises to become a recurring favorite.
Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
This chicken pot pie pasta is creamy and comforting. It’s packed with tender chicken, veggies, and a rich sauce. It’s a cozy one-pot dinner everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until just before al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the onion and mixed vegetables and cook, stirring often, until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the garlic, salt, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Add the remaining butter and sprinkle the flour over the top. Mix well until the flour is either paste-like or resembles wet sand, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, a little at a time, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 3-5 minutes or until thickened.
- Add the cooked noodles and shredded chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine, ensuring everything is well coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and season as needed.
- Serve hot with fresh parsley and crushed Ritz crackers. Enjoy!