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

1. Cook 8 oz of penne pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in chicken broth and milk, bring to a simmer, then stir in cooked chicken and frozen peas. Cook until peas are tender.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, cover with puff pastry, and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
6. Let cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy.

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!