Name: Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake: A Comforting Casserole Everyone Will Love
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great); 3 cups pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni); 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed veggies (peas and carrots or any preferred combination); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that brings all the hearty, satisfying flavors of a classic chicken pot pie into a quick and easy pasta bake. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful vegetables all nestled in a cozy layer of pasta and cheese, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. With minimal prep time and a short bake in the oven, this dish is an easy crowd-pleaser that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

The best part? You don’t need to deal with pie crusts or complicated pastry techniques. Instead, this creamy casserole uses pasta as the base, making it both filling and family-friendly. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all the delicious elements of chicken pot pie without the extra effort. With a creamy, cheesy filling and a golden, bubbly top, this dish is sure to be a new favorite in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Ultimate Comfort Food

This dish combines the creamy, savory flavors of chicken pot pie with the ease of a pasta bake. It’s the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings.

2. Quick and Easy

Ready in under an hour, this pasta bake is perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup!

3. Packed with Flavor

The creamy filling, savory chicken, and gooey cheese blend perfectly, creating a dish that is rich in flavor and texture.

4. Customizable

You can easily swap out vegetables or use a different type of pasta to make it your own. Add extra seasonings or toss in a handful of your favorite cheese for a unique twist.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This pasta bake is a great option for meal prepping. Make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when you’re ready for an easy, delicious meal.

Ingredients

Cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
Pasta (penne, rotini, elbow macaroni, or your choice)
Frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, or any other mix you prefer)
Cream of chicken soup
Sour cream
Chicken broth
Cheddar cheese (shredded)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper
Butter

Variations

Different Vegetables: Feel free to mix up the frozen veggies. Try adding corn, green beans, or even diced potatoes for a heartier dish.
Add Herbs: Add fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley for extra flavor and depth.
Spicy Twist: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Vegan Version: Swap out the chicken for chickpeas or tofu and use a dairy-free cream of mushroom soup for a plant-based version.
Extra Cheese: Mix in some mozzarella or parmesan cheese along with the cheddar for an even cheesier bake.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, frozen vegetables, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.

Step 4: Mix with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring gently to combine.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese (and any other cheese you’re using).

Step 6: Bake

Dot the top of the dish with small pieces of butter and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a shortcut, use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will bake in the sauce, make sure it’s al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Add a Crispy Topping: For extra texture, top the dish with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.
Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier casserole, increase the amount of chicken broth or sour cream.
Frozen Veggies: Frozen vegetables are convenient and work well here, but you can also use fresh vegetables if you have them on hand. Just cook them first to soften.

How to Serve

This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a light side salad, some garlic bread, or steamed green beans. For extra flavor, drizzle with a bit of ranch dressing or top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Freezing

You can freeze the pasta bake before baking it. Just assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can bake it from frozen, but it will take an extra 15-20 minutes in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s hot throughout. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh vegetables! Just cook them first to ensure they’re tender.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, elbow macaroni, or any pasta you like will work. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the oven.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this pasta bake can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge or frozen until ready to bake.

4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by swapping the chicken for beans, tofu, or even mushrooms.

5. How can I make the dish spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can use mozzarella, parmesan, or even pepper jack for a different cheese flavor.

7. Can I use a gluten-free pasta?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the pasta package.

8. How do I make the casserole crispy on top?

You can top the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking to get a crispy, golden top.

9. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes! You can freeze the prepared dish before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly and store it for up to 3 months.

10. Can I use a different cream soup?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if you prefer.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake is the perfect comfort food for busy families, offering all the delicious flavors of chicken pot pie with the ease of a pasta bake. With its creamy filling, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or prepping it for a weekend dinner, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that everyone will love!