If you’re a fan of cozy comfort food, then this Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet is about to become your new go-to dinner. Think of all the rich, creamy flavors of a classic chicken pot pie but with a noodle twist that’s made entirely in one skillet. Not only does it save you the hassle of dealing with pie crusts, but it’s also a breeze to whip up on busy weeknights. Bonus: it’s loaded with hearty veggies, tender chicken, and creamy goodness, making it a complete meal that’ll leave everyone at the table happy and satisfied.
Growing up, chicken pot pie was one of those dishes that screamed “home” to me. The smell of buttery vegetables and creamy sauce bubbling away always meant that dinner was going to be amazing. But let’s face it—pie crusts can be intimidating (and time-consuming). That’s where this recipe comes in! By swapping out the crust for tender egg noodles and keeping everything in one skillet, we get all the flavor with none of the fuss.
Let’s dive into the details and get started on this ridiculously easy and delicious recipe!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
The foundation of any good chicken pot pie flavor starts with the classic trio of onion, carrots, and celery. To begin:
- Melt Butter: Grab a large skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. This will give you that rich, creamy base for your sauce.
- Sauté Veggies: Toss in 1 small diced onion, 2 peeled and diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Stir occasionally and let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften and smell amazing.
- Add Garlic: Just before you’re done, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir it around for about 1 minute, letting it release its irresistible aroma without burning.
By this point, your kitchen will already smell heavenly, and it’s hard to believe you’re just getting started!
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Here’s where the magic really starts to happen:
- Create a Roux: Sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables and stir everything well. The flour will coat the veggies and thicken the sauce later, so make sure there are no big clumps.
- Whisk in Liquids: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Take your time to whisk constantly—this ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Season: Stir in 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. The thyme adds that signature herbaceous note that makes chicken pot pie so irresistible.
At this point, your sauce should be thick, velvety, and utterly delicious. It’s the perfect creamy base that ties everything together.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Noodles
Now it’s time to get hearty and bring everything together:
- Stir in Chicken: Add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken into the skillet. Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, but you can also poach or roast your own if you prefer.
- Add Noodles: Stir in 8 ounces of uncooked egg noodles. Make sure they’re evenly coated in the sauce, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer gently for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles cook evenly and don’t stick to the pan.
At this point, your dish is already looking like a dream: tender chicken, rich sauce, and noodles soaking up all those delicious flavors. And the best part? There’s only one skillet to clean!
Bringing It All Together
By now, your kitchen is filled with the warm, savory aroma of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and soft noodles simmering away. The best part? We’re just a couple of steps away from transforming this dish into a masterpiece. In this next stage, we’ll brighten up the skillet with vibrant peas, add a cheesy touch, and talk about ways to customize this meal to make it your own.
Step 4: Incorporate Peas and Parmesan
Once the noodles are perfectly tender and have absorbed all that creamy goodness, it’s time to bring in some final touches that elevate the dish:
- Add the Peas: Toss in 1 cup of frozen peas. These don’t need much cooking—just a couple of minutes in the warm skillet will do the trick. They add a pop of color and sweetness that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan: Sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating an even creamier texture. The nutty, salty flavor of Parmesan is the perfect finishing touch, adding depth and a bit of indulgence.
At this point, your Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet is looking gorgeous. The peas provide a fresh contrast to the creamy noodles, and the Parmesan adds that irresistible golden sheen.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Skillet
This dish is pretty foolproof, but here are a few tips to take it to the next level:
- Watch Your Noodles: Egg noodles cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. A little bite (al dente) is ideal, as they’ll continue to soften slightly in the warm sauce.
- Use Fresh Thyme: While dried thyme works in a pinch, fresh thyme leaves really bring out a bright, herby flavor that elevates the dish. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: If you have the time, grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using the pre-shredded kind. It melts more smoothly and has a fresher taste.
- Customize the Veggies: Feel free to swap out the frozen peas for other vegetables you love. Diced green beans, corn, or even sautéed mushrooms would work beautifully.
- Boost the Flavor: If you like a little extra zing, stir in a splash of white wine or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the sauce-making step for a subtle kick.
Variations to Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Here are a few fun ways to put your spin on this comforting classic:
- Turkey Swap: Got leftover turkey from a holiday meal? Use it instead of chicken for a seasonal twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add a can of drained chickpeas or some sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Love cheese? Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top and pop the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes to create a golden, bubbly topping.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free pasta to make this dish accessible for everyone.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Now comes the best part—digging in! Scoop generous portions of this warm, creamy goodness onto plates or into bowls, and serve immediately. This dish pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of the sauce.
It’s hearty, filling, and everything you want in a one-pan meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet is sure to be a hit.
FAQ Section and Conclusion
By now, your Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet is ready to serve, and I hope you’re as excited as I am about this creamy, comforting dish. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone just getting comfortable in the kitchen, this recipe is both approachable and rewarding. But before we wrap up, let’s tackle a few common questions about this dish and how to make it even better.
FAQ Section
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it in advance. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to keep it from drying out. Warm it gently over low heat while stirring occasionally.
2. What kind of chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is perfect because it’s flavorful and convenient. If you prefer to cook your own, roasted or poached chicken breast or thighs work equally well. You can also use leftover turkey as a substitute.
3. Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes! While egg noodles are ideal for their soft texture and quick cooking time, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or any short pasta. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and add more liquid if needed.
4. How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten it up, you can:
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Swap the butter for olive oil.
- Add more veggies like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use whole-wheat or gluten-free noodles for a healthier base.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce, which can separate when thawed. However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.
6. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Certainly! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer instead of heavy cream. Be sure to choose a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or omit it altogether.
7. What side dishes go well with this meal?
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect side to balance the richness of the dish. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables or warm dinner rolls for a complete meal.
Conclusion
And there you have it—Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet, a dish that’s equal parts nostalgic and modern. This one-pan wonder captures all the comforting flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie while simplifying the process and adding a pasta twist. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings with loved ones.
The best part? This recipe is endlessly customizable. Whether you swap out the veggies, experiment with different cheeses, or add a spicy kick, it’s a dish that will evolve with your cravings and preferences.
I’d love to hear how your version turns out! Did you make any tweaks or try a fun variation? Share your experience in the comments below—I can’t wait to see how you made this recipe your own. And don’t forget to bookmark this page or pin it for your next comfort food craving. Enjoy!
PrintChicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This one-skillet recipe combines the comforting flavors of chicken pot pie with the ease of a noodle dish. Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and savory herbs, it’s a quick dinner that satisfies without the fuss of pie crust. Perfect for cozy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the vegetables:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
2️⃣ Make the creamy sauce:
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat evenly. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add thyme, salt, and black pepper.
3️⃣ Add chicken and noodles:
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and uncooked egg noodles. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4️⃣ Incorporate peas and Parmesan:
Add the frozen peas and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the peas are heated through and the cheese is fully melted, about 2 minutes.
5️⃣ Serve:
Serve immediately while the dish is warm and creamy. Enjoy a comforting, hearty meal in one bowl!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute half the chicken broth with white wine.
- Use rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
- Fresh parsley or a pinch of nutmeg can be added for an extra flavor boost.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4