Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake

The Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake is a delicious hybrid of two comfort food classics: chicken pot pie and creamy pasta bake. Combining the creamy richness of a pot pie with the heartiness of pasta, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even meal prep. It’s full of tender chicken, vegetables, and cheesy pasta, all coated in a savory cream sauce. This one-pan dish provides the warm and cozy flavors of traditional chicken pot pie, but with the ease and simplicity of a pasta casserole.

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients Breakdown: A Symphony of Flavors

1. 12 oz Pasta (Penne or Rotini)

The pasta is the backbone of this recipe, bringing texture and substance. Both penne and rotini are excellent choices because their ridged surfaces and tube-like shapes allow the creamy sauce to cling to every bite. Rotini’s spiraled shape adds even more surface area for the sauce, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor. Penne, on the other hand, offers a sturdier base, holding up well under the rich sauce and toppings.

2. 2 Cups Cooked Chicken, Shredded

Using shredded chicken makes this dish quick and easy, especially if you have leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken on hand. The chicken adds a boost of protein while soaking up the creamy sauce for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience. For an extra layer of flavor, you can also cook and shred your own chicken breasts, thighs, or even use a store-bought rotisserie chicken.

3. 2 Cups Mixed Vegetables (Peas, Carrots, and Corn)

A mix of peas, carrots, and corn replicates the classic filling found in traditional chicken pot pies. These vegetables not only add pops of color but also contribute sweetness, crunch, and nutrition. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables—whatever is most convenient. Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, or even broccoli for a custom spin on the dish.

4. 1 Can (10.5 oz) Cream of Chicken Soup

The cream of chicken soup serves as the base for the sauce, providing creaminess and rich chicken flavor. It’s the key ingredient that gives the pasta bake its comforting, silky texture. If you prefer homemade, you can substitute with a quick cream sauce made from butter, flour, and chicken broth, but the canned soup keeps things simple and speedy.

5. 1 ½ Cups Milk

Milk helps thin the condensed soup and creates the creamy consistency of the sauce. Using whole milk provides a rich, velvety sauce, but you can opt for lower-fat milk if you prefer a lighter version of the dish. For a dairy-free option, you can use almond milk or another plant-based alternative, though it might slightly alter the flavor.

6. 1 tsp Garlic Powder & ½ tsp Onion Powder

Garlic powder and onion powder add subtle depth to the sauce without overpowering the delicate flavors of the chicken and vegetables. These pantry staples ensure that the sauce is well-rounded with a savory, comforting taste that echoes the flavor profile of a traditional pot pie.

7. Salt and Pepper to Taste

Adding salt and pepper at the right stages of the cooking process enhances the overall flavor. Since the cream of chicken soup contains salt, you may not need much more, so it’s best to taste the sauce before adding extra seasoning.

8. 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

The cheddar cheese not only adds creamy, gooey goodness but also brings a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the rich sauce. You can mix the cheese into the dish for an even cheesier experience or sprinkle it on top for a delicious, melted finish. For an extra kick, try using sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses.

9. ½ Cup Panko Breadcrumbs (Optional, for Topping)

If you enjoy a bit of crunch with your creamy pasta, panko breadcrumbs are the perfect topping. Their light, crispy texture adds contrast to the soft pasta and cheesy sauce. Broiling the breadcrumbs at the end gives the dish a golden, crunchy crust that mimics the flaky top of a chicken pot pie. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix the panko with a little melted butter and Parmesan for even more flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking 12 oz of pasta according to the package directions. Boil the pasta in salted water until it reaches an al dente texture. This ensures the pasta holds up during baking without becoming mushy. After draining the pasta, set it aside while you prepare the sauce and other ingredients.

The key to perfect pasta in this dish is not overcooking it—remember, it will continue to soften slightly when baked in the sauce. Al dente pasta has just the right bite and provides a satisfying texture against the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the cream of chicken soup and 1 ½ cups of milk. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

This stage is essential to build the base of your dish. The garlic and onion powder infuse the sauce with subtle flavor notes, while the milk gives the sauce the right consistency—neither too thick nor too runny. If you want to make the sauce richer, you can swap the milk for half-and-half or heavy cream.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Vegetables

Once the sauce is smooth, stir in the shredded chicken and mixed vegetables. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften and the chicken to heat through. This step ensures that the flavors meld together, and the vegetables are tender but not overcooked.

At this point, you can also customize the vegetables based on your preferences. If you have picky eaters in the family, feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you like—broccoli, green beans, or even diced bell peppers work beautifully.

Step 4: Mix in the Pasta

Now it’s time to combine the cooked pasta with the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. The sauce should be creamy enough to cling to the pasta, yet not so thick that it becomes overwhelming.

This is where the magic happens—the pasta absorbs some of the sauce, making every bite rich and flavorful. The combination of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and vibrant vegetables creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Once everything is well-mixed, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta in the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, irresistible layer.

If you’re a cheese lover, this step is essential. The melted cheddar brings the dish together, adding a layer of creaminess and flavor that ties in beautifully with the chicken and vegetables.

Step 6: Optional Breadcrumb Topping

For an extra touch of texture and flavor, sprinkle ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs on top of the cheese. Pop the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, just until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

This optional step transforms the dish into a perfect blend of creamy and crunchy. The breadcrumbs mimic the crust of a traditional chicken pot pie, creating a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft pasta and gooey cheese beneath.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken slightly, making each bite more flavorful.

Dish up generous portions of this comforting pasta bake, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. The parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the rich, creamy dish.

Customizing Your Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

1. Make It Vegetarian

You can easily turn this dish into a vegetarian delight by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables. Consider adding mushrooms, zucchini, or even cauliflower for a heartier texture. To retain the creaminess, you can add a can of drained chickpeas or some cooked tofu for extra protein.

2. Spice It Up

If you enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also add diced jalapeños or a bit of Cajun seasoning to give the dish a Southern twist.

3. Swap the Meat

While chicken is the traditional protein, you can substitute it with turkey, ham, or even cooked sausage. These alternatives work beautifully, especially if you have leftover holiday meats.

4. Make It Gluten-Free

To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free condensed soup. You can also use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the topping, ensuring the entire dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

5. Go Low-Carb

If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can replace the pasta with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash. This will lower the carbohydrate count while still delivering all the comforting flavors of the original dish.

Conclusion

The Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake is the epitome of comfort food. It’s quick, versatile, and easy to make while delivering the nostalgic flavors of a classic chicken pot pie. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner, an easy meal prep option, or something to feed a crowd, this dish will never disappoint.