Ah, let me take you back to cozy evenings spent in the kitchen, where the aroma of comfort swirled in the air—warm, inviting, and utterly delightful. One dish that always popped onto our dinner table is a creamy, dreamy Classic Chicken Pot Pie Pasta. It’s the culinary equivalent of a warm hug! This recipe brings together the beloved flavors of classic chicken pot pie but with a fun twist that pasta lovers will adore. I’ve been making this for years, and it never fails to transport me back to those cherished family gatherings. Now, let’s dive into the delightful intricacies of this dish, shall we?
Why cooking this recipe tonight
Are you ready to dive into a lush comfort food experience? This dish hits all the right spots: it’s creamy, hearty, and packed with colorful veggies! Picture this: tender pasta enveloped in a savory cream sauce, dotted with chicken and vibrant vegetables. It’s like a hug in a bowl! Why should you indulge tonight, you ask? Well, not only is this pot-pie-inspired pasta a breeze to whip up, but it’s also incredibly satisfying after a long day. Plus, it’s perfect for a family meal, guaranteed to tickle everyone’s taste buds!
Every spoonful evokes nostalgia, reminiscent of chilly evenings and joyful laughter around the table. The richness of the cream of chicken soup mingles flawlessly with the broth, creating a sauce that clings lovingly to every piece of pasta. You’re not just cooking a meal; you’re crafting a memory! And the best part? You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, so there’s no need for an extra trip to the store. It’s comfort food that fits seamlessly into a busy weeknight.
Gather these ingredients
Let’s break down what you’ll need for this comforting creation. You won’t need a Ph.D. in cooking to pull this off; it’s all about simple, wholesome ingredients.
Pasta (8 oz): Whether you go for penne or rotini, these bites will serve as the delightful base. Their shapes hold onto the sauce perfectly, creating bursts of flavor in each bite.
Cooked Chicken (2 cups, shredded): Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders here! Just shred it up—easy-peasy, right? This provides protein and adds hearty, homey flavor to the dish.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables (1 cup): Think peas, carrots, and corn—the classic trio. They not only give you that pop of color but also sweet and earthy undertones that balance the richness of the sauce.
Cream of Chicken Soup (1 cup): This is where magic happens! The creaminess is what makes this dish so dreamy. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a homemade version or a healthier alternative!
Chicken Broth (1 cup): To deepen the flavor and enhance that soup-like essence. You can always swap in veggie broth for a lighter touch.
Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): A sprinkle of thyme will elevate your dish to new heights. Just like that dash of airiness that rounds out a great dish!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Don’t be shy—season to your taste!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Each sprinkle melts down and envelopes everything in creamy goodness! Go sharp for more flavor or mild for a softer touch.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) and Butter (1 tablespoon): This combo provides a beautiful base for sautéing our veggies. Trust me; the butter adds a richness that you won’t want to miss!
How this recipe comes together
Alright, now let’s get down to brass tacks—here’s how to turn those fresh ingredients into a piping hot dish that everyone will rave about.
Cook your pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add your pasta, and cook according to the package instructions. When tender al dente, drain and set aside. (You want it firm because it’ll continue cooking in the skillet!)
Heat things up: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the olive oil and butter. You’ll want it hot enough to melt the butter without burning it—keep an eye on it!
Sauté those veggies: Toss in the frozen mixed vegetables and sauté for about 5 minutes. The veggies should be heated through and start to tender up—you’re creating a fragrant foundation for this dish.
Create the sauce: Now it’s time to add in the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for everything to meld beautifully and heat all the way through—trust me, the smell is amazing!
Mix in the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to your skillet and toss it all together! Make sure every piece of pasta is coated in that glorious sauce.
Cheesy bliss: Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the pasta, making it ooey-gooey and downright irresistible.
Serve it up: Dish out warm bowls of this creamy pasta, and watch everyone light up with joy!
Best way to enjoy it
Now, you might be wondering how to elevate this meal even further, right? Here are a couple of serving suggestions:
Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of paprika can really brighten up the dish and add a pop of color—your dinner table deserves to look just as scrumptious!
Pairing: A side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta. Crunchy breadsticks or garlic bread are also fantastic partners—you can never go wrong with that cheesy goodness.
Leftovers: Guess what? This dish is even better the next day! The flavors deepen even more, making it a perfect candidate to pack for lunch.
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you manage to have any leftovers—consider yourself victorious! Here’s how to keep the scrumptious flavors alive:
Refrigerate: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll hold up for about 3-4 days. Just remember to cool it down before you pop it in the fridge!
Freezing: You can freeze this dish, but I recommend doing so before adding the cheese. Freeze it in individual portions for easy heat-and-eat meals—just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating tips: When it’s time to dig in again, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if it seems dry. You’ll achieve that creamy texture all over again!
Pro chef tips
Let’s sprinkle in some insider knowledge for this pot pie pasta:
Fresh Thyme: If you have fresh thyme, use it instead! About 1 tablespoon will brighten the dish even more.
Flavor depth: Toast the thyme in the oil before adding the veggies for an extra layer of flavor—don’t skip this step; it’s magic!
Cheese choices: Experiment with cheese! Gouda or a mix of cheeses can take the flavor to another level.
Make it hearty: Feel free to add hearty greens like spinach or kale when sautéing the vegetables for extra nutrition.
Creative Twists
Let’s get creative! Here are some fun variations to play with:
Protein Switch-Up: Swap shredded chicken for turkey or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Different Veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms can make delightful additions. Go wild with whatever’s in season!
Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for some kick! A little zing makes everything magical.
Casserole Style: If you’re feeling extra cozy, pour the mixture into a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting casserole version.
Ingredients list
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions to follow
- Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium.
- Add frozen mixed vegetables; sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in cooked pasta.
- Mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare?
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Just freeze before adding cheese for best results.
What can I serve with it?
A light salad and garlic bread make wonderful companions to balance the dish.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! It’s a crowd-pleaser, especially with those gooey cheese layers.
What can I use if I don’t have chicken broth?
Veggie broth works perfectly! You can even use water, but broth enhances the flavor.
The kitchen holds a special magic of its own—it turns simple ingredients into delightful meals filled with memories. I can’t wait for you to bring this lovely dish into your home! So roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and dive into crafting your own Classic Chicken Pot Pie Pasta. Let this be just the beginning of your culinary adventures. And remember, I’d love to hear all about your experience—share your thoughts in the comments! Happy cooking!
Classic Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Description
Classic Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug! This creamy dish blends the flavors of chicken pot pie with pasta, creating a satisfying comfort food experience.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add your pasta, and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.Cook it firm as it'll continue cooking in the skillet.Heat the Oil and Butter
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the olive oil and butter.Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.Sauté the Vegetables
Add frozen mixed vegetables and sauté for about 5 minutes until heated through.Create the Sauce
Add cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, shredded chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir together and let simmer for about 5-7 minutes.Let everything meld beautifully.Mix in the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss together.Ensure every piece of pasta is coated in sauce.Add Cheese
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.Serve
Dish out warm bowls of this creamy pasta and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 500mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 15 IU
- Vitamin C 10 mg
- Calcium 200 mg
- Iron 1.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
