Nostalgic Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort classics like chicken pot pie pasta blend nostalgic flavors into one delightful dish.

Creamy sauces and tender chicken pieces create a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become extraordinary with this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing combination of traditional pie ingredients and pasta.

Layers of rich, velvety sauce intermingle with juicy chicken and soft noodles.

Crispy breadcrumb topping adds a perfect crunch that makes every bite memorable.

You’ll want to savor each forkful of this ultimate comfort food mashup.

Your Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Questions

  • Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with alternatives like penne, rotini, or egg noodles. Just ensure they are cooked al dente and have similar cooking times.

  • Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish, cool it completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, use whole wheat pasta, and add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

  • What if I don't have chicken on hand?

You can replace chicken with turkey, canned tuna, or make it vegetarian by using plant-based protein like tofu or extra beans.

Why Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Feels Like Cozy Comfort

  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: A stress-free pasta bake that combines protein, vegetables, and creamy sauce in one delicious dish perfect for busy families.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping proteins like ham or chicken, adding different vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to match personal taste preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults with its cheesy, creamy texture and familiar flavor profile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prep components in advance and assemble quickly, making it an ideal option for meal planning or last-minute dinner solutions.

Ingredients Needed For Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

For the Pasta:
  • Pasta: A foundational ingredient that serves as the base for this comforting dish.
For the Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that adds substance to the casserole.
  • Optional Diced Ham: A savory addition that provides extra depth of flavor.
For the Vegetables:
  • Onions, Celery: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavorful base for the sauce.
  • Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A convenient way to add nutrition and color to the dish.
For the Sauce Base:
  • Butter: Creates a rich and smooth foundation for the sauce.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides depth of flavor and liquid for the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a creamy texture.
For the Seasonings:
  • Dried Thyme, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
For the Topping:
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, melty layer of flavor.
  • Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden-brown crust on top of the casserole.
For the Preparation:
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Prevents the dish from sticking to the baking dish.

How To Prepare Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F and give a large baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil or gentle butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil water with a pinch of salt and cook pasta until it’s perfectly tender. Drain and keep some pasta water on standby for later magic.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Melt butter in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped celery

Cook until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 4: Create a Smooth Base

Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir constantly to build a silky roux that will make your sauce wonderfully creamy.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour in slowly while whisking:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream

Keep stirring to create a luxurious, lump-free sauce.

Step 6: Season with Flavor

Stir in seasonings to wake up the sauce:
  • Dried thyme
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 7: Add Protein and Veggies

Mix in:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Optional diced ham
  • Frozen mixed vegetables

Let everything get cozy and warm through.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold the pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring every noodle gets a delicious coating.

Step 9: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 10: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 11: Create Crispy Crust

Dust the top with breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy finish.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Slide into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and edges bubble with excitement.

Step 13: Rest and Serve

Pull out of the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to settle and cool slightly, making it perfect for serving.

Top Tips For Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

  • Prevent Pasta Clumping: Rinse cooked pasta with cold water and toss with a little olive oil to keep noodles separated and prevent sticking.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté onions and celery until caramelized for a richer, more complex taste profile in the creamy sauce.
  • Create Smooth Sauce: Whisk broth and cream slowly into the roux to eliminate lumps and achieve a silky, consistent texture without graininess.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Let cheese come to room temperature before sprinkling to ensure even melting and prevent uneven, rubbery patches.
  • Crispy Topping Secret: Toast breadcrumbs in a pan with butter before sprinkling to enhance golden color and add extra crunch to the dish.

Ways To Switch Up Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

  • Vegetarian Comfort Casserole: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Pasta Bake: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties. Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce and substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
  • Seafood Fusion Casserole: Substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat. Add a splash of white wine to the sauce and incorporate fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a coastal-inspired flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace pasta with riced cauliflower or cauliflower florets.

Perfect Sides With Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy chicken pasta's rich texture and cut through its heaviness.
  • Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: Create a light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the dish's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy element to the meal.
  • Pour Sparkling Lemonade: Craft a cold, zesty sparkling lemonade that will brighten the palate and offer a tangy counterpoint to the creamy pasta.

Storing Chicken Pot Pie Pasta With Care

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
  • Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, spread pasta in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Nostalgic Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe

Nostalgic Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty chicken pot pie pasta brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flaky crust elements blend into one irresistible one-pot meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup diced ham (optional)

Vegetables:

  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup diced celery

Sauce and Pasta:

  • 2 cups pasta (rotini or shell pasta)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving the pasta cooking water.
  3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté diced onions and celery until they become translucent and fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring continuously to create a roux that will help thicken the sauce without forming lumps.
  5. Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy base for the pasta.
  6. Add dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the sauce, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
  7. Fold in the shredded chicken, optional diced ham, and frozen mixed vegetables, allowing them to heat through completely.
  8. Combine the sauce mixture with the cooked pasta, ensuring every piece is generously coated with the creamy sauce.
  9. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and top evenly with shredded cheddar cheese.
  10. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese to create a crispy, golden-brown topping.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
  12. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and cool slightly.

Notes

  • Maximize flavor by using rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for deeper, more developed taste profiles.
  • Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning according to personal preference.
  • Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions and enhance nutritional value.
  • Boost vegetable content by adding extra frozen or fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, or spinach for increased nutrition and color variety.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star