Quick Chicken Pot Pie Pasta combines the comforting flavors of classic chicken pot pie with the ease of a pasta dish. It’s a delightful twist that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
This dish is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, meaning you can have a wholesome meal on the table in less than 30 minutes! It uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry, making it a convenient choice. Additionally, the creamy sauce and tender chicken make this pasta dish satisfying for both kids and adults. Whether you’re a novice in the culinary world or an experienced cook, Quick Chicken Pot Pie Pasta will impress your loved ones with its rich flavors and comforting textures.
How to Make Quick Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Making Quick Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a straightforward process that requires minimal prep time. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty without spending all day in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces of pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of cream or a dairy substitute
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
-
Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside once cooked al dente.
-
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
-
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
-
Add the shredded chicken and frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
-
In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken broth, cream, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet.
-
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
-
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat all the ingredients with the creamy sauce.
-
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot!
Pro Tips for Success Quick Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
-
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor.
-
Season to Taste: Always taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. The richness of the cream can sometimes mask flavors.
-
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta since it will continue to cook slightly after being mixed with the sauce.
-
Use Fresh Herbs: If you have them, adding fresh thyme or parsley will enhance the flavor even more.
-
Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to swap out the Parmesan for other cheeses like Cheddar or Gruyère for a different taste.
Flavor Variations Quick Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
-
Add Spinach: Incorporating fresh spinach right at the end adds color and nutritional value.
-
Creamy Mushroom Variation: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy flavor.
-
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.
-
Make it Cheesy: Blend in some cream cheese along with the cream for an extra creamy, cheesy texture.
-
Add Sweet Potatoes: Cooked diced sweet potatoes can provide sweetness and extra nutrients.
Serving Suggestions Quick Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Quick Chicken Pot Pie Pasta pairs beautifully with a light garden salad or steamed broccoli for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping in the creamy sauce. For a touch of freshness, a squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the dish.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Quick Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
This dish is perfect for meal prep! You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|—————|—————-|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
FAQ About Quick Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is a fantastic substitute and gives the dish a slightly different flavor while still capturing that comforting essence of a pot pie.
What can I use instead of cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the cream with half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. For an even lighter version, you can use a combination of chicken broth and a little cornstarch to thicken it up.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, Quick Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is generally well-liked by children. The creamy sauce and mixed vegetables can help to mask any unfamiliar flavors, making it a hit with the little ones. Plus, it’s a fun twist on a classic dish they may already love.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To turn this into a vegetarian dish, you can replace the chicken with cubed tofu or chickpeas for protein. Increase the amount of mixed vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The creamy base can remain the same using dairy-free products.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just be mindful that pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating to restore creaminess.
Final Thoughts
Quick Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a delightful and cozy dish that brings the heartiness of chicken pot pie into a quick and accessible pasta format. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, and you can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you’ll find it to be a regular in your meal rotation. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a bowl of this comforting pasta tonight!
Print
Quick Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on classic chicken pot pie, this quick pasta dish combines comforting flavors and ease of preparation, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces of pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn)
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of cream or a dairy substitute
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in shredded chicken and frozen mixed vegetables. Cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
- In a separate bowl, mix chicken broth, cream, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour over chicken and vegetables in the skillet.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
For a quicker option, use rotisserie chicken. Adjust seasoning as desired. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
