Looking for a comforting and hearty dish that the whole family will love? Look no further than this delectable Chicken Pot Pie Pasta recipe! Combining the flavors of a classic chicken pot pie with the convenience of pasta, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a creamy sauce, this recipe is perfect for cozy nights in or special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
6. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens.
7. Stir in diced chicken, frozen peas, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir until well coated with the sauce.
9. Transfer the chicken pot pie pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
10. Roll out the puff pastry sheet to fit the size of the baking dish and place it over the chicken pot pie pasta mixture.
11. Brush the puff pastry with beaten egg for a golden finish.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
13. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips:

1. Serving Suggestions:
   • When serving the Chicken Pot Pie Pasta, consider garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.
   • Serve hot straight from the oven for the best taste and texture. Pair it with a side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.

Storage Instructions:

• If you have leftovers, allow the Chicken Pot Pie Pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• When reheating, you can warm it in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the crispness of the puff pastry. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick and easy meal.
• Note that the puff pastry may lose some of its crispness upon reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.

FAQs:

1. Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. While penne works well for holding the sauce, you can experiment with shapes like fusilli, rotini, or even macaroni.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! You can prepare the Chicken Pot Pie Pasta up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add the puff pastry and bake when ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
   • Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. However, keep in mind that the puff pastry may lose some crispness upon thawing and reheating.
4. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
   • Definitely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Simply shred or dice the chicken and add it to the recipe as directed.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free penne pasta and a gluten-free puff pastry. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as chicken broth and flour, are also gluten-free.
6. Can I substitute the puff pastry with pie crust?
   • Yes, if you prefer a pie crust topping, you can use it instead of puff pastry. Roll out the pie crust to fit the baking dish and proceed with the recipe as instructed.
7. How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?
   • To make this dish more appealing to kids, consider cutting the vegetables into smaller pieces or pureeing them into the sauce for a smoother texture. You can also let them help assemble the dish for a fun cooking activity.
8. What can I serve alongside this dish?
   • Chicken Pot Pie Pasta pairs well with a variety of sides, such as a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or mashed potatoes.
9. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried thyme?
   • Yes, you can substitute dried thyme with fresh thyme leaves. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried herbs for equivalent flavor.
10. How do I know when the dish is fully cooked?
    • The Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is fully cooked when the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbly and heated through. Inserting a knife into the center should come out warm.