Imagine the ultimate comfort food that combines the creamy, heartwarming flavors of classic chicken pot pie with the convenience of a quick one-pot pasta dish. This magical recipe transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your family begging for seconds. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add flour and whisk quickly to prevent burning, cooking for about 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Ensure no lumps form while stirring.
- Add uncooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, covering the pan and cooking for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When pasta is almost tender, mix in frozen mixed vegetables and cooked chicken. Continue cooking until pasta is fully cooked and vegetables are heated through.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley or additional thyme if desired. The consistency should be creamy and similar to a classic chicken pot pie.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Use pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like rotini, penne, or shells to maximize flavor absorption.
- Chicken Prep Matters: Dice chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and golden browning.
- Prevent Lumpy Sauce: When adding flour, whisk continuously and add liquids gradually to create a smooth, creamy base.
- Don't Overcook Pasta: Watch carefully during the simmering stage to prevent mushy pasta. The pasta should be al dente.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for 2-3 minutes after cooking helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal veggies for variety.
- Enhance Flavor: Consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dash of garlic powder for extra depth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
