Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta brings together everything comforting about a classic chicken pot pie and transforms it into an easy, satisfying pasta dish. You still get tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and that rich, creamy sauce, but without rolling dough or waiting for a pie to bake. I first made this on a night when I wanted pot pie flavors with far less effort, and it instantly became a family favorite. The pasta soaks up the sauce beautifully, making every bite warm and comforting. It feels indulgent and homey, yet it is quick enough for a weeknight meal. This recipe is also incredibly flexible, allowing you to use what you already have in the fridge or freezer. If you love classic comfort food but want something faster and easier to serve, this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is exactly what you need.
Print
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta: Cozy Comfort in a One-Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A comforting one-pan pasta dish that captures all the cozy flavors of classic chicken pot pie with tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or light cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in frozen vegetables and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well; cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring until smooth.
- Add salt, pepper, and thyme; simmer until sauce thickens.
- Stir in cooked chicken, pasta, and parmesan cheese.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
- Add a splash of broth if sauce becomes too thick.
- Serve with biscuits or garlic bread for a full pot pie experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken breast provides lean protein and forms the hearty base of the dish. When cooked gently, it stays tender and juicy.
Pasta serves as the comforting foundation. Short shapes work best because they hold the creamy sauce well.
Butter adds richness and forms the base of the creamy sauce.
Onion brings sweetness and depth, creating the familiar pot pie flavor profile.
Garlic enhances the savory notes and balances the richness of the sauce.
Carrots add natural sweetness and color, giving the dish its classic pot pie feel.
Peas provide freshness and a pop of green that lightens the dish.
All-purpose flour thickens the sauce, creating that signature creamy texture.
Chicken broth builds flavor and keeps the sauce savory rather than heavy.
Milk or cream adds smoothness and richness to the sauce.
Salt and black pepper season the dish and bring balance.
Dried thyme adds a subtle herbal note that makes this taste like true pot pie.
Optional parsley adds freshness just before serving.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by cooking the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until lightly golden and cooked through. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well, cooking for about one minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the milk or cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
Stir in the peas, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce. Allow everything to simmer briefly so the flavors meld.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is very adaptable. You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a faster option, which I have tested with great results. It saves time while still delivering excellent flavor.
Vegetables can be easily adjusted. Corn, green beans, or mushrooms work well and add variety. For a richer dish, use cream instead of milk, or add a small amount of grated parmesan for extra depth.
If you prefer a baked version, transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top with buttery breadcrumbs, and bake briefly until golden. For a lighter twist, use half milk and half broth and add extra vegetables.
This dish can also be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and thickening the sauce with cornstarch instead of flour.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a balanced comfort meal that provides protein from chicken, carbohydrates from pasta, and vitamins from vegetables. Portion control and lighter dairy options help keep it part of a balanced diet.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overcook Pasta
Keep the pasta slightly firm so it holds up in the sauce.
Gradual Liquid Addition
Adding broth slowly prevents lumps and ensures a smooth sauce.
Season at the End
Taste after combining everything to adjust seasoning accurately.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it is a great time-saving option.
What pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes hold the sauce best.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats very well with a little added liquid.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and familiar.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, a small amount of parmesan works well.
Can I freeze this?
Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce.
What herbs can I use?
Thyme is classic, but rosemary or parsley also work.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, add them directly to the sauce.
How do I prevent a thick sauce?
Add extra broth or milk while reheating.
What can I serve with this?
A simple green salad pairs nicely.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta delivers all the nostalgic comfort of a classic pot pie in an easy, weeknight-friendly format. Rich, hearty, and full of familiar flavors, it is a dependable recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table with minimal effort.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share