Quick Chicken Pot Pie Pasta (Printer-Friendly)
Creamy pasta with chicken, vegetables, and savory herbs in a quick 30-minute one-pan meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Poultry & Pasta
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
02 - 12 oz short pasta (rotini or penne)
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
04 - 1/2 cup frozen sweet corn
05 - 1/2 small onion, finely diced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
→ Sauce & Seasoning
08 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
09 - 2 cups chicken broth
10 - 1 cup whole or 2% milk
11 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
12 - 1/2 tsp dried parsley
13 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
14 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
15 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the short pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain through a colander and set aside.
02 - While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened aromatics. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and form a smooth roux.
04 - Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Stir in the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Add the frozen peas and carrots mix, frozen sweet corn, and cooked chicken. Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until everything is heated through and the vegetables are tender.
06 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat every piece evenly in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
07 - If using, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Serve immediately while hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It delivers every bit of that creamy, comforting pot pie warmth without touching a rolling pin or turning on an oven.
- Cleanup is honestly ridiculous because everything happens in one pan, leaving you more time to actually enjoy your evening.
02 -
- Add the broth and milk gradually while whisking like your life depends on it because once a flour lump forms it is nearly impossible to chase down and smooth out.
- Pulling the pan completely off the heat before adding cheese prevents the sauce from breaking and turning grainy instead of velvety.
03 -
- Slightly undercook your pasta by one minute less than the package says because it will finish cooking in the hot sauce and hold its shape much better.
- A tiny pinch of nutmeg stirred into the finished sauce is a secret that makes people close their eyes and ask what makes it taste so special.