Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Surprise

$To make this comforting dish, you will need: - 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli is best) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 carrots, peeled and diced - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickness) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) You can add some extra ingredients to make the dish more special: - Mushrooms for earthiness - Celery for crunch - A splash of white wine for depth - Lemon zest for brightness - Different herbs like basil or oregano for variety Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand. Here are some easy swaps: - Use any small pasta if you don't have penne or fusilli. - Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce. - Cooked turkey can replace chicken for a different taste. - Vegetable broth can work well for a vegetarian version. - Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a dairy-free option. These choices keep the dish flexible and fun! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a generous amount of salt. When the water reaches a rolling boil, add 8 ounces of your chosen pasta. I recommend penne or fusilli for this dish. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. You want it ready for the creamy sauce. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion, finely diced, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. The onion should become translucent and soft. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 diced carrots. Cook this mixture for about 3 more minutes. The carrots should begin to soften. This step builds a tasty base for your dish. Now, it’s time for the sauce. To the skillet, add 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Season with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir this slurry into the sauce until it thickens to your liking. After that, add the cooked chicken and 1 cup of frozen peas. Stir gently until everything is warm and fragrant. Finally, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss it all together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. You’re just about ready to serve this comforting meal! To get that rich and creamy sauce, start with heavy cream. This adds a nice thickness. If you want it even thicker, use cornstarch. Mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Add it to the sauce while simmering. Stir until it thickens up nicely. Simmering the sauce for 5-10 minutes lets the flavors blend well. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. You can boost the flavor in many ways. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary work great. You can also add garlic powder or onion powder for extra taste. For a kick, try a dash of hot sauce. If you like it tangy, a splash of lemon juice brightens the dish. Always taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. This makes sure every bite is flavorful. To make cooking easier, prep your ingredients first. Chop vegetables and shred the chicken ahead of time. This saves you time when you start cooking. When boiling the pasta, use a large pot and add plenty of salt. This helps the pasta flavor. While the pasta cooks, you can sauté the vegetables. This way, everything comes together quickly. Aim to have the pasta ready just as your sauce is done. This keeps your dish fresh and hot. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes like penne or fusilli that hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. Season the Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish, allowing you to adjust seasoning to your taste without overpowering the flavors. Make it Extra Creamy: For a richer sauce, consider adding a sprinkle of cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream along with the heavy cream. Garnish for Freshness: Always finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, as they not only add color but also enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. {{image_4}} If you want a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for hearty veggies. Use a mix of mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. They add great flavor and texture. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a full flavor. You can also add chickpeas for protein. This keeps the dish filling and satisfying. Do you love spicy food? You can easily add heat to your Chicken Pot Pie Pasta. Try adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you control the spice level. You can also use a spicy sausage if you want more depth in flavor. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices that taste just as good. Check labels for gluten-free chicken broth too. Use cornstarch to thicken your sauce without wheat flour. Enjoy this comforting dish without gluten, while still keeping all the rich flavors. To store Chicken Pot Pie Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. When ready to eat, just take out what you need. Yes, you can freeze Chicken Pot Pie Pasta! After it cools, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to two months in the freezer. To avoid freezer burn, make sure to seal it tightly. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat Chicken Pot Pie Pasta gently. Use a skillet over low heat for the best results. Stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. Enjoy it warm and comforting! Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. This makes cooking quick and easy for busy nights. Plus, it gives you that home-cooked taste without the fuss. You can serve Chicken Pot Pie Pasta with several sides. Here are some great options: - Warm biscuits: They add a nice touch and are great for dipping. - Simple green salad: A fresh salad balances the rich pasta. - Steamed veggies: Broccoli or green beans work well. - Garlic bread: This is always a crowd-pleaser. These sides complement the creamy pasta and enhance the meal. To make Chicken Pot Pie Pasta dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. You can also check labels on chicken broth to ensure it’s dairy-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this comfort meal! This article explored the tasty world of Chicken Pot Pie Pasta. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to get the best flavor. I shared options for vegetarians and those needing gluten-free choices. Proper storage and reheating methods keep your dish fresh and yummy. Lastly, I answered common questions to help you along the way. Enjoy making this dish that is warm, filling, and sure to please!$

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Surprise

A creamy and hearty pasta dish that combines the flavors of chicken pot pie with pasta for a delightful twist.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 cup frozen peas
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for added thickness)
to taste fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnishing)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and diced carrots; continue to cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the carrots begin to soften.
Add the shredded cooked chicken and frozen peas to the skillet, stirring gently. Heat until the peas are warm and the mixture is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Carefully pour in the chicken broth along with the heavy cream. Season with dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for 5-10 minutes, letting it reduce slightly into a creamy consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, and stir it into the sauce until thickened.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is generously coated in the sauce, ensuring a delightful mix of flavors with every bite.
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a luscious and creamy texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Using a ladle, spoon the Chicken Pot Pie Pasta into generous bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Notes

For a beautiful presentation, serve in wide, shallow bowls, and top with additional grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. To evoke the essence of a classic pot pie, accompany each dish with a small, warm biscuit or flaky pastry on the side.

Keyword chicken, comfort food, creamy, dinner, pasta