Oh, get ready to experience comfort food at its finest! Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake is like taking the best parts of a classic chicken pot pie—creamy filling, tender chicken, and veggies—and turning it into a cozy, cheesy pasta bake. It’s warm, rich, and filled with all the flavors you know and love. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a big bowl of comfort. Plus, it’s so easy to make!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake
- All the Comfort: This dish combines everything you love about a traditional chicken pot pie but with the added bonus of pasta. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor.
- Cheesy Goodness: The melted cheese on top gives it that golden, bubbly finish that makes it irresistible to dig into.
- Simple Ingredients: It’s made with everyday pantry and fridge staples, making it the perfect go-to recipe when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser for sure! Whether you’ve got picky eaters or not, everyone will love this creamy, cheesy pasta bake.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this creamy chicken pot pie-inspired pasta bake:
- Chicken: Cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great here, or you can cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs).
- Pasta: Any pasta you like—penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni all work perfectly.
- Frozen Veggies: Peas and carrots are the classic go-to for this dish, but feel free to mix it up with any other frozen veggies you like.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the base for that creamy filling, so don’t skip it—it adds so much flavor!
- Sour Cream: Adds a little tang and extra creaminess.
- Chicken Broth: Helps to make the sauce smooth and velvety.
- Cheddar Cheese: Because we need that gooey, cheesy layer on top (and a little extra mixed in doesn’t hurt either).
- Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, and Pepper: For the perfect seasoning balance.
- Butter: For richness and flavor.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into making this creamy, comforting pasta bake:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, you can get everything ready.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and creamy. Then, season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
4. Add the Chicken and Veggies:
Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen peas and carrots (no need to thaw them beforehand—they’ll cook right into the dish). This is where the magic happens—look at that beautiful, creamy filling coming together!
5. Mix the Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the creamy chicken mixture and stir everything together. Make sure the pasta is well coated in that creamy goodness.
6. Transfer to a Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the pasta mixture into it. Spread it out evenly, making sure the pasta is nice and snug in the dish.
7. Add the Cheese:
Top with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese. The more, the better—this is the cheesy, melty layer that pulls it all together!
8. Bake:
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. It should look perfectly melted and delicious when it comes out!
9. Let it Rest:
Once out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes to set and cool down slightly before serving. Trust me, this small step makes a difference when you slice into it!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 680mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 22g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake
- On Its Own: This pasta bake is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it’s still light enough that you won’t feel overly stuffed.
- With a Salad: Pair it with a fresh, crisp green salad to balance out the creaminess of the pasta bake. A simple vinaigrette would be perfect.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a slice of garlic bread to scoop up any extra creamy sauce!
- Roasted Vegetables: For a veggie-packed side, serve it with roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or green beans to add color and crunch.
Additional Tips
- Customize the Veggies: You can swap in other vegetables, such as corn, green beans, or even mushrooms, depending on what you have in your freezer or what you enjoy.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a total time-saver and adds extra flavor. It’s perfect for this recipe.
- Add More Cheese: Don’t be afraid to load up on the cheese! If you like extra cheesy dishes, sprinkle some on top halfway through baking for a double cheesy layer.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole a day ahead of time. Just assemble everything, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready, bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
A1: Absolutely! You can cook and shred your own chicken. Just make sure it’s cooked through and tender before adding it to the dish.
Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A2: Yes! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni are all great choices.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Yes! This dish is perfect for making ahead. Assemble it, refrigerate, and bake it when you’re ready to eat. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Q4: Can I use homemade cream of chicken soup?
A4: Definitely! If you prefer to use a homemade version of cream of chicken soup, it will work just as well. Make sure it’s nice and creamy!
Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes, you can! Freeze the assembled casserole (before baking) in a freezer-safe dish. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Q6: Can I use different vegetables?
A6: Absolutely! You can swap in any veggies you like, such as green beans, corn, or even mushrooms. Just make sure they’re cooked or pre-cooked so they don’t release too much moisture during baking.
Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Q8: Can I add extra cheese?
A8: Yes! Feel free to add extra cheese to the pasta mix or top with more cheese before baking for an extra cheesy, gooey experience.
Q9: How can I make this dish spicier?
A9: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture for a little kick. If you want a more intense heat, try adding chopped jalapeños.
Q10: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A10: Sure! You can use any cheese you like—mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gouda all work well for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake is everything you want in comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s easy enough to make on a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve for a cozy family dinner. Whether you’re looking for a dish to please the kids or something to feed a crowd, this pasta bake has got you covered. Try it today, and I promise it’ll become a new family favorite!
PrintCreamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake combines the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie with the heartiness of pasta. A creamy sauce, tender chicken, and mixed vegetables are baked together for a warm, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 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.
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the carrots and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
- Make the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once the mixture starts to thicken, add the heavy cream, thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the chicken and veggies: Add the shredded chicken, peas, and corn to the sauce, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce mixture and stir to coat the pasta evenly. Pour everything into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If using, add the grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Bake: Bake the pasta dish for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the mixed vegetables with any of your favorites, such as green beans or mushrooms.
- To make it even creamier, you can add 1/4 cup of cream cheese to the sauce mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course,
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of recipe
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 60mg