Chicken Pot Pie Pasta – Delectable Recipe

Introduction:

Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie with a delightful twist in the form of Chicken Pot Pie Pasta. This comforting dish combines the heartiness of chicken, the richness of creamy sauce, and the warmth of vegetables, all tossed with tender pasta. In this article, we’ll explore the simplicity of making Chicken Pot Pie Pasta at home, why it’s a beloved comfort food, and how you can customize it to suit your taste preferences.

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:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
Stir in diced chicken, frozen peas, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir until well coated with the sauce.
Transfer the chicken pot pie pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Roll out the puff pastry sheet to fit the size of the baking dish. Place it over the chicken pot pie pasta mixture.
Brush the puff pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
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

Tips:

You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for this recipe to save time.
Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or green beans to the chicken pot pie pasta for extra flavor.
Serve the dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving:

Serve Hot: Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is best served hot, straight from the skillet or serving dish. The warmth of the creamy sauce and tender chicken enhances the comforting flavors of the dish.
Individual Portions: Consider serving Chicken Pot Pie Pasta in individual bowls or plates for easy portion control and presentation. This allows guests to enjoy their own serving without the need for additional plating.
Garnish Creatively: Before serving, garnish Chicken Pot Pie Pasta with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or crispy breadcrumbs on top for extra texture.
Serve with Accompaniments: For a complete meal, pair Chicken Pot Pie Pasta with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. These accompaniments add variety to the meal and balance out the richness of the pasta dish.

Storage:

Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store Chicken Pot Pie Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure that the pasta is cooled completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Reheating: To reheat Chicken Pot Pie Pasta, transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat the pasta on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to prevent it from drying out.
Avoid Freezing: While Chicken Pot Pie Pasta can be refrigerated for a few days, it is not recommended for freezing. Freezing may alter the texture of the creamy sauce and vegetables, resulting in a less desirable eating experience.
Meal Prep Tip: To save time on busy weeknights, consider preparing the components of Chicken Pot Pie Pasta in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken, chop the vegetables, and make the sauce ahead of time. Then, simply assemble and reheat the dish when ready to enjoy.

FQAs:

Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes for This Recipe? Absolutely! While penne or farfalle are commonly used, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or rotini. Choose a shape that will hold the creamy sauce and vegetables well.
Can I Make Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Ahead of Time? Yes, you can prepare Chicken Pot Pie Pasta ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Simply follow the recipe instructions, allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken in This Recipe? If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken with turkey, diced ham, or cooked sausage. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat altogether or substitute it with plant-based alternatives such as tofu or tempeh.
Can I Freeze Chicken Pot Pie Pasta? While Chicken Pot Pie Pasta can be refrigerated for a few days, it is not recommended for freezing. Freezing may cause the creamy sauce to separate and the vegetables to become mushy upon thawing and reheating.
How Can I Make Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Creamier? If you prefer a creamier texture, you can adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more milk or cream. Start by adding small amounts and stirring until the desired creaminess is achieved. Additionally, you can stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness.

Conclusion:

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta offers a delicious twist on a classic comfort food favorite, bringing together the flavors of chicken pot pie in a convenient pasta dish. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables, it’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Try making Chicken Pot Pie Pasta at home and enjoy the comforting flavors with every bite!