Description
This Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake combines the comforting flavors of classic chicken pot pie with the ease of a hearty pasta casserole. Tender cooked chicken, creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup and sour cream, and cheesy goodness come together in this quick and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini works well)
Sauce & Dairy
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional, for a classic pot pie touch)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the pasta casserole evenly.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside to cool slightly—this prevents it from overcooking in the oven.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth and evenly combined sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, drained pasta, and melted butter to the sauce mixture. If you’re using peas or mixed vegetables, fold them in now. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly and pour in the pasta mixture. Spread it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking and browning.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a golden, melted cheese crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges, signaling the dish is done.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. This helps in serving neat portions without it falling apart.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time.
- Frozen peas or mixed vegetables add a nice pop of color and nutrition but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a crispier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
