Why Make This Recipe
Comfort food often brings a sense of warmth and satisfaction, and there’s nothing quite like a big bowl of chicken pot pie. But let’s be honest: making a traditional chicken pot pie can be time-consuming and requires quite a bit of effort. This comforting slow cooker chicken pot pie pasta recipe combines the rich flavors of classic pot pie with the ease of a slow cooker and the heartiness of pasta. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious meal with minimal prep time. With this recipe, you can enjoy all the comfort without the hassle, serving up a dinner that is both nourishing and delicious.
How to Make Comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Creating a mouthwatering chicken pot pie pasta in your slow cooker is straightforward. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can have a hearty dish ready to enjoy in just a few hours. Here’s what you need to do.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast (diced, skinless)
- 2 cups pasta (small shape, uncooked)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (condensed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
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Directions:
Preparation: Begin by washing your hands thoroughly. Cleanliness is crucial, especially when handling raw chicken. Make sure your cooking area is tidy.
Add the Chicken: Take your diced chicken breast and place it in the slow cooker. Spread the chicken evenly across the bottom to ensure it cooks uniformly.
Incorporate the Pasta: Next, add the uncooked pasta directly into the slow cooker. Select a small pasta shape for the best results, as it tends to cook up nicely in the dish.
Add the Broth: Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken and pasta. This liquid will help to cook the ingredients and keep them moist.
Mix in Vegetables: Toss in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables. These frozen veggies save time; no need to chop or cook them beforehand.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Grab your can of cream of chicken soup and add it to the slow cooker. This gives your dish that creamy texture that pot pie lovers enjoy.
Seasoning: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder for flavor. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Feel free to taste and season as necessary.
Mix Together: Once all the ingredients are added, stir them all together carefully. This helps to distribute the cream of chicken soup and seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
Cook the Pasta and Chicken: Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Set it to low and allow it to cook for 4 to 5 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender, and the pasta will absorb the delicious flavors.
Check for Doneness: As you near the end of the cooking time, check to make sure the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is tender. You can do this by cutting into a piece of chicken or tasting a bit of pasta.
Serve: Once everything is ready, scoop the comforting chicken pot pie pasta into bowls. Enjoy your warm, hearty dish right away.
How to Serve Comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Serving this comfort meal is simple. Ladle the chicken pot pie pasta into bowls, making sure everyone gets a good mix of chicken, pasta, and vegetables. You can serve it with some crusty bread on the side to soak up any remaining sauce. A side salad can also be a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish. If you enjoy garnishing your meals, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley, thyme, or even some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
How to Store Comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
If you have leftovers, you can store them easily. Allow the chicken pot pie pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you are ready to reheat, simply spoon out the desired portion and heat it in the microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up, as it can thicken in the fridge.
If you want to keep the dish for longer, you can freeze the leftovers. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container and try to consume it within 2-3 months for the best flavor. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
Tips to Make Comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for small pasta shapes like elbows or shells. They tend to absorb the flavors well and cook to the right tenderness without becoming mushy.
Adjust the Liquid: If you find the pasta absorbs too much moisture, don’t hesitate to add an extra splash of chicken broth halfway through the cooking process to keep the mixture creamy.
Spice It Up: Customize your seasoning by adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a bay leaf for additional flavor profiles.
Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can use that instead of raw chicken. Simply add it towards the end of the cooking time to warm it through.
Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, swap the cream of chicken soup with a low-fat version or make your own creamy sauce with low-fat ingredients.
Variation
This comforting slow cooker chicken pot pie pasta recipe is versatile. Here are some variations you can try:
Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth as the base. Additionally, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a plant-based version.
Add Cheese: For a cheesy version, consider stirring in some shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, before serving. This will add a nice creaminess to the dish.
Different Vegetables: Feel free to get creative with your vegetable mix. Fresh ingredients like chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans can also be added if you prefer fresh veggies over frozen ones.
Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of spice, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?
Yes, you can use different small pasta shapes, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Make sure to check for tenderness during the cooking process.
What can I serve with chicken pot pie pasta?
This dish is filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, if you want it done quicker, you can set your slow cooker to high and cook for about 2 to 3 hours. Just check for doneness as it cooks.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy texture and familiar flavors are usually a hit with kids. You can also let kids help with stirring the ingredients before cooking.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before, then store them in the fridge. In the morning, just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it cook throughout the day.
Making this comforting slow cooker chicken pot pie pasta can quickly become a go-to recipe in your household. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty dish that the whole family will enjoy. Give it a try, and enjoy the warm, welcoming flavors it brings to your dining table!
Print
Comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A hearty and comforting slow cooker chicken pot pie pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of traditional pot pie with the ease of a slow cooker and pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast (diced, skinless)
- 2 cups pasta (small shape, uncooked)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (condensed)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Begin by washing your hands thoroughly. Cleanliness is crucial, especially when handling raw chicken. Make sure your cooking area is tidy.
- Take your diced chicken breast and place it in the slow cooker. Spread the chicken evenly across the bottom to ensure it cooks uniformly.
- Next, add the uncooked pasta directly into the slow cooker. Select a small pasta shape for the best results.
- Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken and pasta.
- Toss in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables.
- Grab your can of cream of chicken soup and add it to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder for flavor. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
- Once all the ingredients are added, stir them all together carefully.
- Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Set it to low and allow it to cook for 4 to 5 hours.
- As you near the end of the cooking time, check for doneness.
- Once everything is ready, scoop the chicken pot pie pasta into bowls. Enjoy your warm, hearty dish right away.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken pot pie, slow cooker, pasta recipe, comfort food, easy dinner
