Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that brings together all the flavors of a classic chicken pot pie in a pasta form, then this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a dreamy, cheesy sauce all mingling with perfectly cooked pasta and baked to golden bubbly perfection. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or when you want to treat yourself to something truly satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to achieving the delicious layers of taste and texture in this recipe. Each one has its role in creating that rich, creamy base, the delightful bite of pasta, and the fresh pop of veggies that makes this bake unforgettable.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or diced for tender, flavorful protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies, bringing out their natural sweetness and aroma.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a gentle, savory foundation to the dish’s flavor profile.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts a subtle punch that complements the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup carrots, diced: Brings a lovely color and natural sweetness, enhancing the texture.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Adds a pop of freshness and a burst of green that balances the richness.
- 1 cup frozen corn: Sweet kernels that contrast beautifully with the savory elements.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Essential to thickening the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Builds a flavorful base for the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious texture that makes this bake so comforting.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a touch of herbal warmth and complexity.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Important for balancing and bringing all the flavors together.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Melts into gooey goodness that crowns the dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Offers an extra layer of savory depth when sprinkled on top.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Used to grease the baking dish for easy serving and a bit of buttery flavor.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start your journey by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, which will ensure your creamy chicken pot pie pasta bake releases easily and has that lovely buttery undertone baked into the edges.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This means it should have a slight firmness to the bite so it doesn’t become mushy in the bake. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Next, toss in the carrots and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until they soften, developing a gentle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over your softened vegetables, stirring constantly so everything is coated evenly. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps—this step is key to a smooth, thick sauce. Once it begins to thicken, stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer gently until velvety and thickened.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Veggies
Add the shredded chicken, peas, and corn to your creamy sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the vegetables are perfectly tender. This blend is the heart of your dish, bursting with combined textures and flavors.
Step 6: Mix in Pasta and Prepare to Bake
Fold the cooked pasta into the luscious sauce mixture, ensuring every piece is cozily coated. Transfer everything into your buttered baking dish, laying the foundation for your bake’s delightful top layer.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Bake
Evenly sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta. If you’re using Parmesan, now is the time to add that for an extra savory punch. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling invitingly.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once baked to perfection, allow your Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake Recipe to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This pause helps everything set slightly so it serves beautifully and tastes even better.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh hint that contrasts nicely with the creamy, cheesy flavors. Even a light dusting of extra Parmesan can give a lovely finishing touch that guests will appreciate.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich bake with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the richness. A simple lemon vinaigrette on the side can brighten the meal, creating a complete and well-rounded dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in ramekins or muffin tins for personal chicken pot pie pasta pies. This makes for a charming presentation at dinner parties or lunchboxes. You could even add a flaky puff pastry top to each for an elevated, pot-pie-inspired crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delightful as fresh.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbling. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help retain that lovely baked texture on top.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves prep time, making the Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake Recipe even easier to whip up.
What type of pasta works best in this bake?
Penne or rotini are ideal because their shapes trap the creamy sauce well. However, any short pasta that holds sauce can be used depending on what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream, and use vegan cheese alternatives. Just note the flavor and texture will be a bit different but still delicious.
Is it possible to add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add mushrooms, green beans, or even diced potatoes for extra texture and flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they are tender.
How spicy is this pasta bake?
This recipe is mild and comforting, perfect for all ages. If you like a bit of heat, you can always add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when making the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake Recipe is an absolute keeper in my kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug from the inside out—simple to make, deeply comforting, and packed with flavors everyone loves. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Give it a whirl, and prepare for some serious compliments!
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Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake combines tender cooked chicken, hearty pasta, and a medley of vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, this comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Protein and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) pasta (penne or rotini work well)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Baking
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add diced carrots and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. When the mixture starts to thicken, stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine chicken and vegetables: Add the shredded chicken, frozen peas, and frozen corn to the sauce, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Mix with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly. Transfer this mixture to the greased baking dish.
- Top with cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. If desired, add the grated Parmesan cheese for additional flavor and richness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the dish is heated through and ready to serve.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, hearty and comforting meal!
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast from leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Penne or rotini are ideal pasta shapes as they hold the sauce well, but feel free to substitute with your favorite.
- For a sharper flavor, increase the amount of shredded cheddar cheese or add extra Parmesan.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Gluten-free flour or pasta can be used to adapt this recipe for gluten sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
