Easy One-Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving comfort food without the fuss, this One-Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is just what you need. Combining the rich, savory flavors of a classic pot pie with the ease of a single skillet meal, this recipe delivers a creamy, satisfying dinner that’s ready in no time and leaves almost no dishes to wash. Perfect for cozy weeknights or anytime you want a hearty, flavorful meal without the extra cleanup, this dish brings together tender chicken, mixed veggies, and pasta in a luscious sauce that’s bursting with nostalgic goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
- One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup means more time to relax after dinner.
- Creamy Comfort: The rich sauce mimics the classic pot pie filling for ultimate satisfaction.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this delicious, wholesome meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easy to customize with what you have in the pantry or fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this One-Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta has a role to play, from building layers of flavor to creating that irresistible creamy texture. You don’t need anything fancy—just fresh basics that come together beautifully.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up the creamy sauce.
- Mixed vegetables: Classic pot pie veggies like peas, carrots, and corn add color and sweetness.
- Pasta: Penne or rotini are perfect because they hold the sauce well in every bite.
- Chicken broth: The base for the sauce, delivering rich, savory flavor.
- Heavy cream: Adds that luxurious creaminess which makes this dish special.
- Onion and garlic: Essential aromatics that bring depth and warmth.
- Butter and olive oil: For sautéing and a silky sauce texture.
- Flour: To thicken the sauce and create a luscious consistency.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, and a touch of parsley brighten and enhance the flavors.
Variations for One-Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
This One-Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to tweak it according to your mood or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:
- Swap the protein: Use cooked turkey, ham, or even tofu to switch up the base.
- Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, green beans, or spinach for extra nutrients and texture.
- Dairy alternatives: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Cheesy twist: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan for added richness and flavor.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
Start by heating butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pan, add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then stir in your mixed vegetables to soften slightly.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce Base
Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring the mixture stays smooth without lumps. Bring this to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce thicken and bubble for a few minutes.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Cream
Pour in the pasta, stirring to evenly coat in the sauce. Add the heavy cream and return the chicken to the pan, giving everything a good mix. Let the pasta cook in the sauce until tender, usually about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Finish with Seasonings and Herbs
Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce is rich and creamy, taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir in fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Remove from heat and get ready to enjoy.
Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
- Use freshly cooked chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, it saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Don’t rush the sauce: Allow the flour to cook properly before adding broth to avoid a raw flour taste.
- Stir often: Keeps pasta from sticking to the pan and ensures even cooking.
- Adjust liquid as needed: Add more broth or cream if the sauce thickens too quickly.
- Choose sturdy pasta shapes: Penne, rotini, or shells work best to hold onto the creamy sauce.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Garnishes
Top your creamy masterpiece with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a lovely herbaceous finish. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dash of cracked black pepper adds a subtle extra kick.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness, or serve alongside garlic bread to soak up any leftover creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your One-Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta in individual shallow bowls for a rustic feel, or dish it out family-style on a large platter topped with colorful herbs and a scattering of toasted nuts for extra texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring flavors stay fresh and the sauce remains creamy.
Freezing
This dish freezes well—transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen mixed vegetables work great and can be added directly to the pan while sautéing, saving prep time.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well and reheats easily, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or plant-based proteins, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What type of cream works best?
Heavy cream gives the best texture and richness, but half-and-half or a thick coconut milk can be used for lighter or dairy-free alternatives.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir the pasta frequently while it cooks and make sure there is enough liquid in the pan so the pasta can cook evenly without drying out.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is truly a comfort food champion—easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for those nights you want a warm, satisfying meal without extra mess. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Related Posts
- How to Make Spicy Cajun Grilled Chicken Perfectly
- Easy Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
- Easy Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
One-Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
One-Pan Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta combines the rich, savory flavors of a classic pot pie with the convenience of a single skillet meal. Featuring tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and pasta in a luscious, creamy sauce, this quick and easy dish is perfect for cozy weeknights and minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs, cut into pieces
Vegetables
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Fats and Thickener
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Seasonings and Herbs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Stir in mixed vegetables and cook until slightly softened.
- Make the Creamy Sauce Base: Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, keeping the mixture smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken for a few minutes.
- Add Pasta and Cream: Pour in the pasta, stirring to coat evenly with the sauce. Add heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the pan. Mix well and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Finish with Seasonings and Herbs: Once pasta is al dente and sauce is thick, taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir in fresh parsley for brightness and color. Remove from heat and serve.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked or leftover rotisserie chicken for added flavor and quicker prep.
- Allow the flour to cook properly before adding broth to avoid a raw flour taste.
- Stir often while cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add more broth or cream if the sauce thickens too quickly or becomes too thick.
- Choose sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells to hold onto the creamy sauce best.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: one-pan, creamy chicken, pot pie pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, chicken pasta, easy weeknight meal