If you’re a fan of comforting, hearty dishes but are short on time, then the Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Skillet is the recipe for you! This dish takes all the cozy, creamy goodness of a traditional chicken pot pie and transforms it into a one-pan pasta dish. Loaded with tender chicken, a colorful mix of vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and easy to clean up—what’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort food, but making it from scratch can be a bit time-consuming. This Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Skillet, however, combines all the familiar flavors of the beloved pie in a much simpler format. Instead of pie crust, you get the added comfort of pasta, making it both hearty and satisfying.
The best part? It’s made in just one pan, so you’ll save time not only in cooking but also in cleaning up afterward. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is the perfect blend of convenience and flavor.
Ingredients for the Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Skillet
Before you dive into the cooking process, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, so you may already have them on hand!
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced): You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing the aromatics and creating a rich base.
1 small onion, diced: Adds depth of flavor to the dish.
2 cloves garlic, minced: For that extra burst of flavor that brings everything together.
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans): These add color and texture to the dish. You can also use fresh vegetables if preferred.
2 cups chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base of the dish.
1 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness): Adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re craving a richer dish, go with heavy cream.
8 oz pasta: Penne, rotini, or egg noodles work well for this recipe.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to bring the dish together with a savory note.
½ teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste.
½ teaspoon black pepper: For seasoning.
½ teaspoon paprika (optional): Adds a bit of warmth and color to the dish.
1 tablespoon flour: Used to thicken the sauce and give it a creamy consistency.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): For an extra creamy and cheesy touch.
How to Make the Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Skillet
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to make this delicious skillet meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how quickly it comes together.
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. This step helps release the flavors of the onion and garlic, creating a savory base for the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables & Seasonings
Next, add the frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet. The frozen mix is perfect for this dish because it eliminates the need for extra prep time, and the vegetables are ready to go! Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional paprika. Stir everything well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed and the vegetables are coated in the flavorful butter and aromatics.
Step 3: Add Broth & Pasta
Now, pour in the chicken broth and milk (or heavy cream for extra richness). Stir to combine everything and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add your pasta of choice and make sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the pasta to cook until it’s tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If you notice that the pasta is still too firm or the liquid is evaporating too quickly, add a splash of broth or milk to keep things moving.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture and stir it well to thicken the sauce. This will give your dish the creamy texture that makes it so comforting. If you want even more creaminess, now is the time to stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt and blend into the sauce, making it rich and velvety.
Step 6: Add Chicken & Finish
Add your cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Allow the chicken to heat through, which will take about 2-3 minutes. The chicken will absorb some of the delicious flavors from the sauce, making it even tastier.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Once everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your liking, it’s time to serve! Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve the Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Skillet warm. This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a side of warm biscuits to enhance that classic chicken pot pie experience.
Helpful Tips for Success
Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked and ready to be added, making this meal even quicker to prepare.
Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, just add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up. Conversely, if it’s too thin, add a little more flour to thicken the sauce further.
Extra Creaminess: For an even richer flavor, substitute milk with heavy cream and stir in some extra shredded cheese.
Make It Your Own: Feel free to swap out the mixed vegetables for your favorites, such as broccoli, peas, or mushrooms. You can even add a bit of cooked bacon for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, you can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For a full chicken pot pie experience, pair it with warm, flaky biscuits or dinner rolls. A drizzle of extra cheese on top or a squeeze of fresh lemon can also elevate the flavors.
Nutritional Information
This Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Skillet is a comforting, filling meal, but it’s important to keep track of the nutritional values. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving:
Calories: 450-500 kcal
Protein: 30g (depending on the chicken used)
Carbs: 45g (from pasta and vegetables)
Fat: 18-20g (from butter, cheese, and cream)
Fiber: 4g (from vegetables)
Sodium: 800-900mg (can be adjusted based on broth and seasoning)
Conclusion
This Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food that combines all the flavors of a classic chicken pot pie in a quick, easy-to-make pasta dish. With just one skillet and a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that your whole family will love. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a dish to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness in every bite!
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