If you love the cozy, creamy goodness of classic chicken pot pie but want a quicker and easier version, then this Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet recipe is your perfect solution. Combining the heartiness of chicken, the richness of creamy sauce, and the satisfying texture of noodles, this skillet dish offers a comforting and delicious meal the whole family will enjoy. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients Needed for Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet:
- 2 tablespoons butter – for sautéing the veggies and creating a flavorful base
- 1 onion, diced – adds sweetness and depth to the sauce
- 2 carrots, diced – a classic vegetable in pot pie, adding color and sweetness
- 2 celery stalks, diced – for an extra crunch and fresh flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – enhances the savory flavor of the dish
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – ideal for using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken
- 3 cups chicken broth – the base for the creamy sauce
- 1 cup half-and-half – provides richness and creaminess
- 8 ounces egg noodles – the perfect noodle to soak up the flavorful sauce
- 1 cup frozen peas – adds color, texture, and sweetness
- Salt and pepper – to taste, for seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – a classic herb that enhances the flavors of the dish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for extra creaminess and flavor
- Fresh parsley (optional) – for garnish, adds a pop of color
Instructions to Make Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet:
- Sauté the Veggies
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. - Prepare the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and half-and-half, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. - Add the Noodles
Stir in the egg noodles and season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for about 8-10 minutes or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed some of the broth. - Combine the Chicken and Peas
Once the noodles are cooked, add the shredded chicken and frozen peas. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the peas are tender. - Finish with Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir gently until the cheese melts into the creamy sauce, giving the dish a rich and comforting texture. - Serve and Garnish
Garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet:
- Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional pot pie, which requires time for baking, this dish is ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: With minimal cleanup, this skillet meal is convenient and low-maintenance.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Rich, creamy, and satisfying, this dish combines all the flavors of a chicken pot pie without the need for a crust.
- Customizable: Add or swap vegetables like corn, green beans, or mushrooms based on your family’s preferences.
Tips for Success:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for this dish, providing tender, flavorful chicken without the hassle.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to get creative by adding your favorite vegetables. Frozen corn or even parsnips would be excellent additions!
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free noodles to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Storing Leftovers:
If you have leftovers (though we doubt it!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore the creamy texture.
Conclusion:
The Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet brings the flavors of a classic pot pie into a quick and easy one-pan meal. This recipe is perfect for those seeking comfort food without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or just craving something warm and satisfying, this dish is sure to hit the spot every time.
Serving Tips for Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet:
- Pair with a Side Salad: To balance the richness of the dish, serve the Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet with a light side salad. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will complement the creamy flavors of the skillet.
- Add Crusty Bread: For extra comfort, serve the dish with warm, crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top your skillet meal with fresh parsley or thyme to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the overall dish.
- Make It a Complete Meal: This dish is hearty on its own, but you can also add a protein-packed side like roasted chicken or a simple steamed vegetable to complete your meal.
- Serve in Individual Portions: For a fun and family-friendly presentation, serve this dish in individual bowls or small skillets. This makes it more visually appealing and easier for everyone to dig in!
Storage Tips for Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet:
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Allow the dish to cool completely before storing it. Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This will help maintain the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Freezing: If you’d like to make this dish ahead of time, you can freeze it. Let the skillet cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best results, reheat from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy texture, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until fully heated.
- Avoid Overheating: When reheating, avoid overheating the dish, as the noodles might become mushy. A gentle, low-heat approach is best for preserving the texture and flavor.
By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can enjoy this Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet even after the first meal, ensuring that leftovers remain just as delicious the next day!
- Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe? Absolutely! While egg noodles are perfect for this dish, you can substitute them with other types of pasta, such as rotini, penne, or even gluten-free noodles if needed. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet in advance. To do so, make the recipe up to the point where the noodles are fully cooked. Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy texture.
- Can I add more vegetables to this recipe? Definitely! This dish is versatile, and you can add more vegetables based on your preference. Some great options include corn, green beans, mushrooms, or peas. Just be sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces and cook them along with the carrots and celery for the best results.
- Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken? Yes, leftover turkey works wonderfully as a substitute for chicken in this recipe. It’s an excellent way to repurpose holiday leftovers into a delicious, comforting meal. Simply shred the turkey and follow the recipe as directed.
Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal that combines the creamy goodness of chicken pot pie with the hearty texture of egg noodles. It’s a quick, family-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Serves 4-6
- For the skillet:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or milk
- 8 oz (225 g) wide egg noodles
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- For garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Crumbled buttery crackers or puff pastry pieces (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
- Make the roux:
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add the liquids:
- Gradually stir in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the heavy cream or milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until thickened.
- Cook the noodles:
- Stir in the egg noodles, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the chicken and peas:
- Fold in the cooked chicken and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. For added crunch, sprinkle with crumbled crackers or puff pastry pieces.
Notes
- Substitute cooked turkey for chicken to use up leftovers.
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little more chicken broth or milk to reach the desired consistency.