Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta combines the creamy, comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie with the hearty structure of a pasta dish. This recipe is a perfect blend of tender pasta, creamy sauce, and a flaky puff pastry topping, creating a delightful texture and rich flavor. It’s an ideal meal for those who love the traditional taste of chicken pot pie but want something a bit different and easier to prepare for dinner.

With its golden-brown puff pastry top and a filling that’s brimming with chicken and vegetables in a creamy sauce, this pasta dish is not only satisfying but also visually appealing. It’s a great way to enjoy the comforting flavors of home without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it up in a big dish and watch it disappear—perfect for any family dinner or gathering.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  6. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
  7. Stir in diced chicken, frozen peas, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  8. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir until well coated with the sauce.
  9. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  10. Roll out the puff pastry sheet to fit the size of the baking dish. Place it over the pasta mixture.
  11. Brush the puff pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.
  12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  13. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes | Total Time: 60-65 minutes | Servings: 6 | Kcal: 450 per serving

Why This Recipe Works

1. Familiar Flavors, New Format: This recipe maintains the classic flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie—like tender chicken, savory vegetables, and a creamy, thyme-infused sauce—while introducing penne pasta as the base. The pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully, offering every bite full of flavor.

2. Crisp Puff Pastry Topping: Instead of a traditional pie crust, this recipe uses a layer of puff pastry, providing a flaky and golden top that adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy pasta beneath.

3. Versatile and Adaptable: The Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is adaptable to various dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s easy to incorporate different vegetables or switch the type of pasta to suit your taste.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Results

  • Pasta Choice: While penne is recommended for its ability to hold sauce well, other pasta shapes like farfalle or rigatoni can also be used for similar results.
  • Puff Pastry Application: Ensure the puff pastry is just large enough to cover your baking dish without hanging over the sides to prevent it from becoming soggy.
  • Sauce Consistency: When making the sauce, ensure it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon before adding the pasta and chicken. This consistency ensures that the dish remains creamy and doesn’t dry out during baking.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is not only comforting but also offers good nutritional value. Chicken provides high-quality protein, while the vegetables contribute essential vitamins and fiber. The dish is balanced and can be part of a nutritious diet when served with a side of greens or a fresh salad.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish hot out of the oven for the best experience. The puff pastry should be flaky and golden, and the filling should be bubbling around the edges. It pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp salad to cut through the richness or some steamed green beans for an extra dose of veggies.

Conclusion

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a heartwarming dish that brings together the best of two worlds: the creamy, comforting taste of chicken pot pie and the satisfying chew of pasta. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, especially on those colder evenings when comfort food is exactly what you crave. It’s sure to become a new favorite among both kids and adults in your home.