Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that balance freshness and convenience. I often choose high-quality chicken (leftovers work beautifully here), and fresh vegetables whenever possible, much like my mom used to do. The creamy sauce is where the magic happens, so I like to use a combination of broth and a little cream to keep it rich but not heavy. Substitutions are easy if you’re short on time or ingredients, making this a flexible favorite.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini are my go-tos)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery, sautéing until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste out, creating a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to dissolve any lumps, then stir in the cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
- Add the shredded chicken, frozen peas and carrots, and dried thyme. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and everything is heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until well coated. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it on top, cover the skillet, and let it melt for 2 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if you like.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Chicken Pot Pie Pasta, recipe, cooking, food
