Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

### **Instructions for Chicken Pot Pie Pasta**

**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

**Step 2: Cook the Chicken**
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast or thighs, seasoning them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the carrots and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, until they start to soften.

**Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce**
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables in the skillet and stir to coat. This will help thicken the sauce. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the heavy cream, milk, thyme, parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

**Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Pasta**
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the frozen peas, and stir until everything is well combined and heated through. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little extra milk to reach your desired consistency.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
Once everything is combined and heated through, sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese (optional) for extra richness. Serve the Chicken Pot Pie Pasta immediately, garnished with extra parsley or thyme if desired. Enjoy this comforting, creamy pasta that tastes just like chicken pot pie!

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### **Customization Ideas**

While this recipe is delicious as-is, you can make a few modifications to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

– **Add More Veggies**: To make the dish even heartier, you can add other vegetables like corn, celery, or green beans. You can use fresh or frozen vegetables depending on what you have on hand.
– **Use Rotisserie Chicken**: For a quicker version, substitute the cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the sauce with the peas and pasta for a faster meal.
– **Make it Lighter**: If you prefer a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for a lower-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. You can also use less butter or oil to sauté the vegetables.
– **Add Spices**: If you enjoy more flavor, feel free to add extra spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or nutmeg. These spices can add warmth and depth to the creamy sauce.

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### **Why You’ll Love Chicken Pot Pie Pasta**

1. **Comfort Food in a Bowl**: This dish combines the comforting elements of chicken pot pie—chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce—into a simple, easy-to-make pasta dish. It’s the perfect food to indulge in after a long day.

2. **One-Pot Wonder**: With just one skillet and one pot, cleanup is a breeze. After cooking the chicken and vegetables, the sauce is made right in the same pan, making the process streamlined and efficient.

3. **Family-Friendly**: This pasta dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. The creamy sauce and familiar chicken pot pie flavors will make it an instant favorite at the dinner table.

4. **Perfect for Leftovers**: This dish stores well and can be enjoyed as leftovers the next day. The pasta soaks up the sauce, making it even more flavorful the second time around.

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### **Conclusion**

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, offering all the flavors of a chicken pot pie in a convenient and easy-to-make pasta dish. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables, it’s the perfect meal to serve when you want something comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and simple, this dish will hit the spot. Try it today, and enjoy the taste of comfort in every bite!