Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is the perfect fusion of two beloved comfort foods: creamy chicken pot pie and hearty pasta. This dish combines the flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie with the simplicity and ease of a pasta meal. Rich with tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and a mix of vegetables, this recipe delivers all the cozy, savory flavors in every bite, without the need for pie crust.

Overview of the Recipe

This Chicken Pot Pie Pasta recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s a one-pan meal (aside from cooking the pasta) that’s ideal for busy weeknights, but it’s flavorful enough to serve as a family dinner. With diced chicken breast, a mix of peas, carrots, and onions, all wrapped in a creamy sauce and tossed with pasta, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.

History and Origin

Chicken pot pie has a long history as a classic American comfort food, dating back to early colonial times when settlers used simple ingredients like meat, vegetables, and pie crust to create a hearty meal. Over the years, chicken pot pie has evolved, with variations including puff pastry, biscuit toppings, and different fillings. The pairing of chicken pot pie flavors with pasta is a modern twist that brings the creaminess and heartiness of the dish into a quicker, more accessible form, ideal for pasta lovers. While traditional chicken pot pie can take time to prepare due to the crust, this pasta version simplifies the process, making it an excellent alternative.

Ingredients

Here is the full list of ingredients you’ll need for Chicken Pot Pie Pasta:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken breast: Using boneless, skinless chicken breast makes this dish easy to prepare, but chicken thighs can also be substituted for a juicier result.
• Heavy cream: This adds richness to the sauce. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or a milk alternative.
• Penne pasta: Penne holds the sauce well, but feel free to use any short pasta, such as rotini, rigatoni, or even macaroni.
• Frozen peas: These add a touch of sweetness and balance the creaminess of the dish. You can use fresh peas if available.
• Carrots: They provide a bit of crunch and additional color, enhancing the overall texture.

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Step 2: Add 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 10-12 minutes.
• Step 3: Drain the pasta and set aside. To prevent sticking, you can toss it with a little olive oil or butter if desired.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Step 1: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat.
• Step 2: Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet and season with salt and pepper.
• Step 3: Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on the outside and fully cooked through.
• Step 4: Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Cook the Vegetables

• Step 1: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
• Step 2: Add the diced yellow onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots.
• Step 3: Sauté the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent, and the carrots begin to soften.

4. Make the Sauce

• Step 1: Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables.
• Step 2: Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and form a roux. This step helps to thicken the sauce later.
• Step 3: Slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
• Step 4: Add 1 cup of heavy cream, and stir the mixture until smooth and well combined.
• Step 5: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.

5. Add the Chicken and Peas

• Step 1: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
• Step 2: Add 1 cup of frozen peas and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme to the mixture.
• Step 3: Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the peas to heat through.

6. Combine with Pasta

• Step 1: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and vegetable mixture.
• Step 2: Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce and the ingredients are well combined.
• Step 3: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

7. Finish and Serve

• Step 1: If desired, stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness and depth of flavor.
• Step 2: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve hot.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a satisfying dish on its own, but you can complement it with a few side dishes for a well-rounded meal:

• Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to mop up any extra sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make excellent vegetable sides.
• Mashed Potatoes: For extra indulgence, pair with creamy mashed potatoes to enhance the comfort food factor.

Variations of the Recipe

There are many ways to customize this Chicken Pot Pie Pasta to suit different tastes or dietary needs:

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use a mix of mushrooms, cauliflower, and additional vegetables. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian dish.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular penne pasta with a gluten-free pasta option, and use gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce.
• Cheesy Twist: Add a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a more decadent, cheesy version of the dish.
• Spicy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Health Benefits

This dish is packed with nutrients from its wholesome ingredients:

• Lean Protein: Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
• Vegetables: Carrots and peas are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and provide dietary fiber.
• Calcium: The heavy cream and optional Parmesan cheese contribute calcium, supporting bone health.
• Thyme: This herb has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, adding flavor and health benefits to the dish.

To make the dish lighter, you can reduce the amount of butter or use a lower-fat cream alternative, like half-and-half or a dairy-free cream substitute.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and combine it with the pasta, adjusting the thickness if necessary.

2. Can I freeze Chicken Pot Pie Pasta? While it’s possible to freeze this dish, the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. To freeze, store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months, and when reheating, whisk in a little cream or milk to bring the sauce back together.

3. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply skip the chicken-cooking step and stir the shredded rotisserie chicken into the sauce during Step 5.

Conclusion

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a fantastic, cozy dish that offers all the flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie in a fraction of the time. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and mix of vegetables, it’s a family-friendly recipe that’s sure to please everyone. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to the table in every bite.

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