Description

When you think of comfort food, two dishes often come to mind: chicken pot pie and pasta. Now imagine combining these two favorites into one hearty, satisfying meal. This Chicken Pot Pie Pasta takes the creamy, savory filling you love from a classic chicken pot pie and pairs it with tender penne pasta, all topped with a golden puff pastry crust. It's the ultimate cozy dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week, combining familiar flavors with a fun and unexpected twist. Plus, it's a great way to use leftover cooked chicken, and it's simple enough to whip up on a busy evening.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. With tender vegetables like carrots, celery, and peas simmered in a creamy sauce, and chunks of cooked chicken, every bite brings a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The puff pastry adds a crispy, buttery finish to this already rich and flavorful meal. It’s like a pot pie but easier and quicker to prepare, making it an ideal dish for weeknight dinners or when you're craving comfort food without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 sheet puff pastry
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp thyme (optional)
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

Preparation Method

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking 8 oz of penne pasta in a large pot of salted water. Cook until al dente, according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. The pasta will absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce later, so don’t worry if it seems a little undercooked at this stage.

2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. These veggies form the base of the classic pot pie flavor profile, adding both sweetness and savory depth to the dish.

3️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce:
Once the vegetables are tender, slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The broth adds a savory richness, while the milk gives the sauce a creamy texture. At this point, stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas. Let everything cook together for a few minutes until the peas are tender and the chicken is warmed through. If you want to add some extra seasoning, sprinkle in a bit of thyme and paprika for an extra flavor boost.

4️⃣ Combine with the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to make sure it’s well coated in the creamy sauce. The pasta will soak up some of the liquid, making every bite flavorful and rich.

5️⃣ Top with Puff Pastry and Bake:
Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a baking dish. Carefully lay the puff pastry sheet over the top, making sure it covers the dish fully. If needed, trim the edges or tuck them in. Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy. The puff pastry adds that signature pot pie crunch that makes this dish feel extra indulgent.

6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
Once the Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be bubbling, and the puff pastry will be flaky and golden, just begging to be dug into. Serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal.

Tips and Conclusion

If you’re short on time or don’t have puff pastry on hand, you can top this dish with biscuit dough or even shredded cheese for a quicker finish. You’ll still get that warm, comforting feel, but with less preparation. Also, if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the vegetables as they sauté to help thicken the mixture as it cooks.

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is the best of both worlds—combining the creamy, savory filling of a traditional chicken pot pie with the hearty comfort of pasta. It's a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, especially on chilly nights when you want something warm and satisfying. The buttery puff pastry crust adds just the right amount of crunch to contrast with the tender pasta and creamy chicken filling. Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables you have on hand. So next time you’re craving comfort food, give this Chicken Pot Pie Pasta a try—you won’t be disappointed!