If you love the comforting flavors of classic chicken pot pie but want a quicker, fuss-free way to enjoy them, this Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe is here to sweep you off your feet. Imagine creamy, herb-infused sauce enveloping tender orzo pasta, combined with garden-fresh vegetables and juicy rotisserie chicken, all coming together in a luscious, cozy dish. It’s a total game-changer for weeknight dinners or anytime you crave that warm, homemade feeling without the heavy lifting of a traditional pie crust. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it might just earn a regular spot in your family’s meal rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each item plays a key role, whether it’s adding brightness, creaminess, or that perfect herby touch.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté vegetables to a perfect golden tenderness while adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Mirepoix (celery, onion, carrot): Classic flavor base that brings a sweet and savory depth to the dish.
- Minced garlic: Adds fragrant aroma and a gentle kick without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
- Frozen diced vegetables: Convenient and colorful, these blend in seamlessly, boosting nutrition and texture.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a silky roux that thickens the sauce with a luscious mouthfeel.
- All-purpose flour: Mixes with butter to build the roux, the base for the creamy sauce.
- Dried thyme, parsley, garlic powder, celery seed: A fragrant herb blend that transports you to classic pot pie flavor territory.
- Chicken bouillon powder: Delivers an umami-packed chicken essence without the fat.
- Chicken stock (or broth): The liquid backbone that enriches the sauce’s savory profile.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess, making the sauce velvety and comforting.
- Orzo pasta: Tiny rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and blends perfectly into the sauce for hearty bites.
- Diced rotisserie chicken: Saves time and packs the dish with juicy, tender protein.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that melts beautifully into the pasta.
- Optional biscuit topping: For those who want to go full pot pie, biscuit pieces add a delightful texture contrast.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Get everything ready before cooking because this recipe moves quickly! Measure out your herbs and spices, chop what needs chopping, and lay out the frozen veggies and diced chicken. Having your mise en place set will make the cooking process seamless and stress-free.
Step 2: Cook the Mirepoix and Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Then add the mirepoix—celery, onion, and carrot—and cook while stirring often for 6 to 8 minutes until the veggies soften and take on a golden hue. Add minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds for that fragrant punch. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the frozen diced vegetables without thawing. Cooking for 1 to 2 minutes lets them thaw and mingle their sweetness with your base before removing the whole mixture to a bowl and covering it to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce Base
Return the pot to medium-high heat, melt the butter, and whisk in the flour. Cooking this roux for a minute thickens and forms the backbone of your sauce. Now, add dried thyme, parsley, garlic powder, celery seed, and chicken bouillon powder, whisking well to combine those delicious aromas. Slowly stream in the chicken stock, whisking constantly, and cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Pour in the whole milk and stir in the uncooked orzo pasta for the final part of the sauce base.
Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect
Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and lower the heat so it barely bubbles at the edges. Cook uncovered for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and checking the orzo’s tenderness. You want a creamy, almost risotto-like consistency—soft pasta swimming in a luscious sauce. Then stir the reserved veggies and rotisserie chicken back into the pot, removing from heat. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and, if you like, fresh parsley, and fold until the cheese melts in perfectly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, making sure every bite sings with balanced flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
This Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe shines on its own with that creamy texture, but a dash of extra Parmesan or some warm biscuit toppings will push it over the edge. Serve while it’s steaming hot to savor every comforting mouthful.
How to Serve Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan always adds a nutty touch, while chopped fresh parsley brings a pop of brightness. For extra richness, a drizzle of melted butter or a dollop of sour cream makes this dish feel even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and fresh with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans also complement the flavors without overwhelming the palate, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family-style dinner, serve this dish straight from the pot in a warmed bowl. Alternatively, scoop it into ramekins topped with flaky, homemade biscuits or puff pastry for a charming individual presentation that mimics traditional pot pie vibes but with a fun pasta twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken overnight, so just stir in a little milk when reheating to loosen it back up to that creamy perfection we all love.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this dish wrapped tightly in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Be mindful that the texture of the milk-based sauce and pasta might change slightly upon thawing, but with gentle reheating and a splash of milk, it will still taste wonderful.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring frequently and adding a little milk as needed to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. This way, each bite remains lush and flavorful like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables are wonderful here. Just sauté them with the mirepoix until tender. Adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they’re perfectly cooked but still vibrant.
Is orzo pasta the only option?
While orzo is ideal for this recipe because of its size and texture, small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe can work well too. Just adapt cooking times as needed.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth and swap the rotisserie chicken for a hearty plant-based protein like sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas. The herbs and creamy sauce keep the dish flavorful.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano is a fantastic alternative for a saltier, tangier twist. Nutritional yeast can also work for a dairy-free, cheesy flavor boost.
Can I add a biscuit topping like traditional pot pie?
Definitely! Bake your favorite biscuits separately and crumble them over the top or serve on the side to add that classic pot pie crunch and make the dish extra special.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe is such a heartfelt, comforting dish that brings all the nostalgic flavors of chicken pot pie in a fresh and speedy way. It’s perfect for nights when you want something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy that creamy, flavorful goodness alongside your loved ones. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
PrintChicken Pot Pie Pasta Recipe
This Chicken Pot Pie Pasta recipe transforms classic pot pie flavors into a creamy, comforting pasta dish that cooks in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender orzo pasta, a flavorful vegetable medley, shredded rotisserie chicken, and a rich Parmesan sauce, this one-pot meal combines ease and warmth perfect for quick dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 cups mirepoix (celery, onion, carrot)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen diced vegetables (carrots, sweet peas, corn, and green beans blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste (approximately 1¼ teaspoons salt and ¾ teaspoon pepper total)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1–1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed (optional)
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
- 2 cups chicken stock or broth
- 2–1/4 cups whole milk
Pasta and Protein
- 1–1/2 cups orzo pasta
- 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
Finishing
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
- Optional biscuit topping
Instructions
- Prepare: Set out all ingredients and measure seasonings before starting to cook to keep the process smooth and efficient.
- Heat oil and cook mirepoix: Place a large nonstick pot over medium-high heat and heat 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the mirepoix and cook, stirring frequently, for 6–8 minutes until the vegetables begin to turn golden and are tender but not overly soft.
- Add garlic and frozen vegetables: Stir in 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper (about 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper). Add the frozen vegetable blend and stir for 1–2 minutes until the vegetables are thawed through. Transfer this mixture to a plate or bowl, cover with foil, and set aside.
- Make roux and add seasonings: Return the pot to medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, then whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook continuously for 1 minute to form a roux. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon celery seed (optional), and 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder.
- Add liquids: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken stock, cooking 1–2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken slightly. Add 2-1/4 cups whole milk and 1-1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta, stirring to combine.
- Simmer pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle bubble at the edges. Cook uncovered for 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the sauce is creamy and slightly soupy.
- Combine with vegetables and chicken: Add the reserved sautéed vegetables and 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken to the pot. Gently stir to incorporate and remove from heat.
- Finish with cheese and seasoning: Stir in 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional parsley until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste, typically adding about 1/4 teaspoon more pepper.
- Serve: The dish should have a creamy consistency similar to risotto. Thin with a splash of milk if needed. Serve hot, optionally topped with extra Parmesan and cooked biscuits.
Notes
- The mirepoix provides a flavorful aromatic base; chopping celery, onion, and carrot finely ensures even cooking.
- Chicken bouillon powder adds concentrated chicken flavor; substitute with chicken broth if preferred but adjust salt accordingly.
- Whole milk adds creaminess; you can substitute with 2% milk but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- Orzo pasta cooks quickly; test for tenderness before finishing cooking time.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor; pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents which affect texture.
- Optional biscuit topping can be prepared separately and served alongside or on top for a pot pie-style finish.