The Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet is a delightful twist on the traditional chicken pot pie, providing all the comfort and flavor in a more straightforward, one-pan format. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and comforting but don’t have the time for elaborate cooking.
Choosing Ingredients
- Egg Noodles: Opt for a quality brand of egg noodles for the best texture. If you prefer a healthier option, whole wheat noodles are an excellent alternative.
- Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast for lean protein. Rotisserie chicken can be a great time-saver, or you can cook and cube the chicken yourself. For a richer flavor, thigh meat is also a good choice.
- Vegetables: Frozen peas and carrots are convenient and work well in this recipe. However, you can use fresh vegetables if you have the time to chop and cook them.
- Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce richness. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or a combination of milk and a thickening agent like cornstarch.
- Butter and Flour: These are used for making the roux, which thickens the sauce. A gluten-free flour blend can be used for a gluten-free version.
Preparation Tips
- Sautéing: Ensure to cook the onions and garlic until translucent before adding the flour. It’s essential for developing flavor.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of your sauce by varying the amount of flour or liquid. Remember, the sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or bell peppers.
- Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese at the end for an extra flavor boost.
- Herbs and Spices: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. A dash of paprika or cayenne can add a nice warmth to the dish.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cream and butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
This recipe is versatile and allows for a lot of creativity. Whether you stick to the traditional flavor profile or experiment with different ingredients, this Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet is bound to become a comforting staple in your home-cooking repertoire.
Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet Recipe
Transform a classic comfort food into an easy, one-pan meal with this Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet recipe. It combines the heartiness of a pot pie with the simplicity of a skillet meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 10 oz. of egg noodles
- 2 tbsp. of unsalted butter
- 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp. of Italian herb mix
- 1½ cups of mixed frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 2 tbsp. of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of chicken stock
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1½ cups of cooked and cubed chicken breast
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Pasta Preparation: Cook the egg noodles until al dente as per the instructions on the package.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a sizable skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add in the diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, peas, and carrots. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté the mixture until the onions become soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Create the Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir until well blended. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Continue stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Drain the cooked noodles and add them to the skillet along with the cubed chicken. Stir the mixture, adjusting the seasoning with more salt and pepper to your taste. Once everything is heated through and coated with the sauce, your Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet is ready to serve.
Enjoy this cozy and comforting dish, perfect for those who love the flavor of chicken pot pie but want a quicker, more straightforward preparation method.