Restorative Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe

The Coziest Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe For Comfort Lovers

Comfort finds its perfect match in this delightful chicken pot pie pasta blend that marries two classic favorites.

Creamy sauce coats tender noodles while chunks of savory chicken peek through.

Childhood memories dance alongside modern culinary creativity in every delectable bite.

Flaky pastry crumbles add unexpected texture and crunch to this hearty dish.

Vegetables nestled throughout bring vibrant color and nutritious goodness to your plate.

She loves how simple ingredients create such a magnificent meal that feels like a warm hug.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving of this irresistible comfort food masterpiece.

Why Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Feels Like Comfort Food

  • Savor Simplicity: A home-style pasta dish perfect for busy families and comfort food lovers.
  • Create Versatile Meals: Easily swap proteins or vegetables to match your pantry inventory and dietary preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy texture with a crunchy cracker topping that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Straightforward cooking techniques guarantee delicious results without complex culinary skills.

Everything You Need For Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

For the Proteins:
  • Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that adds substance to the creamy pasta dish.
  • Ham: An optional protein that brings a salty and rich dimension to the recipe.
For the Pasta and Vegetables:
  • Pasta: The hearty base that absorbs the creamy sauce and provides a satisfying texture.
  • Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A convenient blend that adds nutrition and color to the casserole.
  • Onions: Provide a sweet and aromatic foundation for the sauce.
  • Celery: Offers a subtle crunch and fresh flavor to the base of the dish.
For the Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a creamy consistency.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that enhances the overall flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a luxurious, smooth sauce.
  • Dried Thyme: Introduces an earthy and aromatic herb note to the dish.
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers a subtle, consistent garlic flavor throughout the casserole.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
For the Topping:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a golden, tangy layer that adds richness to the casserole.
  • Butter Crackers: Provide a crispy, buttery topping that adds texture and flavor.

How To Make Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Easily

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish

Get your oven warmed up to 375°F and lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Boil pasta in salted water until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Drain and keep a small amount of pasta water on the side for later use.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In a large skillet, melt butter and create a flavorful base by cooking:
  • Onions
  • Celery

Until they become soft and release their delightful aroma.

Step 4: Create a Silky Smooth Roux

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste and create a smooth foundation for your sauce.

Step 5: Craft a Luxurious Cream Sauce

Slowly pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream

Whisk constantly to ensure a velvety, lump-free sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 6: Season the Sauce

Add a blend of seasonings to elevate the flavor:
  • Dried thyme
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 7: Combine Protein and Vegetables

Gently fold in:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Ham (optional)
  • Frozen mixed vegetables

Let the mixture simmer and heat through completely.

Step 8: Mix Pasta into Creamy Goodness

Incorporate the cooked pasta into the creamy mixture. Stir gently to ensure every piece gets coated, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for the perfect consistency.

Step 9: Layer with Cheese

Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Step 10: Create a Crunchy Topping

Combine crushed butter crackers with melted butter, then spread this golden, crispy mixture evenly over the cheese layer.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling edges that signal it’s ready to devour.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the sauce to set and cool slightly, ensuring each bite is absolute comfort on a plate.

Helpful Tips For Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

  • Nail Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a delightful bite in the final dish.
  • Create Silky Smooth Sauce: Whisk broth and cream gradually to avoid lumps, developing a rich, velvety base that coats every ingredient beautifully.
  • Maximize Flavor Depth: Sauté vegetables until translucent to release natural sweetness and develop a robust, aromatic foundation for the casserole.
  • Boost Cracker Topping Crunch: Mix butter crackers with melted butter thoroughly, creating a golden, crispy layer that adds delightful texture and richness.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Add reserved pasta water sparingly to adjust sauce consistency, preventing the casserole from becoming too dry or soupy.

Tasty Variations Of Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

  • Vegetarian Comfort Casserole: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to create a hearty meat-free version that maintains the creamy texture and comforting flavors.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Substitute butter crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for a safe alternative that doesn't compromise taste.
  • Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced green chilies, swap thyme for cumin and chili powder, and mix in pepper jack cheese. Incorporate corn and black beans to give the casserole a zesty, southwestern-inspired profile with extra kick.

Best Pairings For Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, rich pasta dish with its bright, zesty notes that cut through the heaviness.
  • Serve with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a tangy, refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken pasta casserole.
  • Match with Buttery Chardonnay: Choose an oaked Chardonnay that echoes the creamy sauce's richness while adding subtle vanilla and butterscotch undertones.
  • Create Herb-Infused Side: Prepare roasted asparagus spears with fresh thyme and garlic to add a green vegetable element that enhances the dish's herbal flavors.

How To Store Chicken Pot Pie Pasta The Right Way

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining flavor.
  • Transfer cooled pasta mixture to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing cracker topping separately.
  • Warm individual servings in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place portion in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent burning.

FAQs For Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Answered

  • How do I know if my roux is properly made?

A good roux should look smooth and smell slightly nutty, without any raw flour taste. Cook it for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden color and loses its raw flour smell.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

Yes, you can swap chicken with turkey, use different types of cheese like monterey jack or swiss, and replace butter crackers with breadcrumbs. Just keep similar proportions to maintain the dish’s texture and flavor.

  • Why do I need to reserve some pasta water?

Pasta water contains starch that helps create a smoother, silkier sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water can help adjust the consistency and help ingredients bind together more effectively.

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Restorative Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe

Restorative Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting chicken pot pie pasta blends classic American casserole flavors into a hearty one-pot meal. Creamy, herb-infused sauce and tender chicken chunks nestled among perfectly cooked pasta invite warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup diced ham (optional)

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup diced celery

Pantry and Dairy:

  • 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Topping:

  • 1 cup crushed butter crackers
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing its surface.
  2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
  3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onions and celery until they become translucent and fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir continuously to create a smooth roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
  5. Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a creamy, smooth sauce.
  6. Add dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the sauce, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
  7. Fold in shredded chicken, ham (if using), and frozen mixed vegetables, allowing the mixture to simmer and heat through.
  8. Incorporate cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, stirring gently to ensure even coating and adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
  9. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
  10. Combine crushed butter crackers with melted butter, then distribute the cracker topping over the cheese layer.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and cool slightly.

Notes

  • Customize the protein by swapping chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for versatile dietary needs.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing added salt in the recipe.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free crackers for topping.
  • Make ahead and freeze the assembled dish before baking, storing it for up to 3 months for convenient meal prep.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 22g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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