Easy Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet Meal

What You Need: Ingredients List

Creating this delightful chicken pot pie skillet requires a blend of simple, accessible ingredients. Most items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward nature, allowing the quality of each component to shine through. Using good quality chicken and fresh vegetables will significantly enhance the overall flavor profile of your creamy skillet pasta. This easy chicken recipe truly simplifies meal prep while delivering a delicious outcome.

Pantry Staples and Fresh Veggies

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Cooked rotisserie chicken also works wonders for an even quicker prep.
• Noodles: Egg noodles or a similar small pasta like elbow macaroni or rotini are ideal for absorbing the creamy sauce.
• Broth: Chicken broth forms the base of our savory sauce, adding depth of flavor.
• Milk: Whole milk or a combination of milk and cream for richness and creaminess.
• Vegetables: A classic mix of frozen peas and carrots is traditional, but you can also add corn, chopped celery, or diced potatoes. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also elevate the taste.
• Aromatics: Onion and garlic, minced, provide an essential aromatic foundation.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is used to thicken the sauce, creating that signature pot pie consistency.
• Butter & Oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning (or a mix of dried thyme, rosemary, and sage) to taste.

These simple ingredients come together to create a robust and flavorful homemade pot pie experience, proving that gourmet taste doesn’t require a complex shopping list.

Gather Your Kitchen Tools

One of the many appealing aspects of this easy skillet meal is the minimal amount of kitchen equipment required. You won’t need an arsenal of pots and pans, which keeps both the cooking process and cleanup incredibly straightforward. The star of the show, as the name suggests, is your skillet. Having the right tools on hand ensures a smooth cooking experience, allowing you to focus on building those delicious flavors.

Skillet and Cooking Essentials

Here’s what you’ll need to set yourself up for success:

• Large Skillet (10-12 inch): A sturdy, deep skillet with a lid is essential for this one-pan meal. Cast iron, stainless steel, or a non-stick pan will all work effectively. The depth is important to contain all the ingredients and the creamy sauce. You can learn more about the history and versatility of a skillet on Wikipedia.
• Cutting Board and Knife: For preparing your chicken and any fresh vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions, especially for the sauce.
• Whisk: Handy for smoothly incorporating the flour into the butter to create a roux, and for stirring the sauce.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.
• Ladle: For serving your finished dish.

With these basic kitchen essentials, you are well-equipped to prepare a fantastic chicken pot pie skillet with ease. This setup promotes efficient stove top cooking and makes this recipe truly accessible for any home cook.

Making This Chicken Pot Pie Skillet

Crafting this homemade pot pie in a skillet is surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. The process is broken down into a few manageable steps, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve a delicious and impressive result. The goal is to build layers of flavor, starting with the chicken and aromatics, then creating a rich, creamy sauce, and finally combining everything with the noodles. This method ensures every bite of your creamy skillet pasta is packed with comforting goodness.

Cooking Noodles First

To ensure your noodles are perfectly cooked and don’t absorb too much of the sauce, it’s best to cook them separately. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain them thoroughly and set aside. This preliminary step prevents the noodles from becoming mushy in the skillet and allows them to soak up the creamy sauce without overcooking. If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy our Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Rolls.

Building the Creamy Sauce

The heart of this chicken pot pie skillet is its luscious, savory sauce. Start by sautéing diced chicken in your large skillet until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the minced onion and garlic until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute, creating a roux, which will thicken your sauce. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer. As it heats, it will thicken into a beautiful, creamy consistency. Season generously with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning for that classic pot pie flavor profile.

Combining All Ingredients

Once your sauce is rich and creamy, it’s time to bring everything together. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add your drained, cooked noodles along with the frozen peas and carrots. Stir everything gently until all the ingredients are well combined and coated in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the vegetables to heat through and the noodles to absorb more of the delicious flavor. Serve immediately and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. For more quick and easy recipes, follow Carina Recipes on Pinterest!

Quick Prep and Cook Times

One of the biggest selling points of this easy skillet meal is its incredible efficiency. In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a homemade meal can be a challenge. This recipe is specifically designed to fit into even the busiest schedules, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or nutrition for speed. The streamlined cooking process and minimal cleanup make it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a delicious yet practical dinner solution.

Dinner in Just 30 Minutes

From start to finish, you can expect this delightful chicken pot pie skillet to be on your table in approximately 30 minutes. This makes it a standout choice for a last-minute weeknight dinner. The quick prep involves simply dicing chicken and maybe an onion. The cook time is equally swift, as the chicken cooks quickly in the skillet, and the sauce comes together in minutes. By cooking the noodles separately while you prepare the sauce, you effectively multitask and shave off valuable minutes. This truly is a thirty-minute dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or satisfaction, making it a reliable quick dinner recipe for any busy household.

Servings and Nutrition Info

This generous easy skillet meal is designed to feed a family or provide ample leftovers for future meals. Understanding the serving size and approximate nutritional value can help with meal planning and dietary considerations. While home-cooked meals often allow for better control over ingredients, having a general idea of the content can be beneficial. Remember that exact nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Feeds Six People Easily

This chicken pot pie skillet recipe is typically proportioned to yield about 6 hearty servings. This makes it an excellent choice for a family-friendly meal, ensuring everyone gets a satisfying portion. For smaller households, the leftovers are a delicious bonus, perfect for lunch the next day or a quick reheat on another busy evening. Each serving offers a balanced blend of protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the noodles, and essential nutrients from the vegetables. While precise nutritional data depends on ingredient choices, an estimated single serving (out of 6) might contain around 450-550 calories, 30-35g protein, 45-55g carbohydrates, and 15-20g fat. This makes it a robust and fulfilling option for any dinner table.

What to Serve With Your Skillet

While this chicken pot pie skillet is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with a simple side dish can enhance the dining experience and add a touch of freshness. The rich and creamy nature of the skillet dish benefits from lighter, contrasting textures and flavors. Choosing the right accompaniment can elevate your weeknight dinner without adding significant complexity to your meal preparation.

Simple Side Dish Ideas

Consider these easy and refreshing options to complement your delicious supper:

• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce. A warm, buttered roll is pure comfort alongside this dish.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the richness of the skillet meal.
• Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans, perhaps tossed with a touch of garlic and lemon, offer a healthy and vibrant side.
• Roasted Asparagus: A quick roast in the oven brings out the natural sweetness of asparagus, making it another excellent green vegetable accompaniment.
• Crispy Cauliflower: For another fantastic vegetable option, consider making Crispy Cauliflower to serve alongside; its texture and flavor would be a great complement.

These straightforward side dish ideas help balance the meal and add extra vegetables or a delightful crunch without requiring extensive cooking, keeping your overall dinner prep easy and enjoyable.

Tips for This Easy Skillet Meal

To make your chicken pot pie skillet even more enjoyable and tailored to your tastes, consider incorporating a few simple tips and variations. These suggestions can help you customize the dish, add extra flavor dimensions, or simply ensure perfect results every time. Part of the joy of cooking an easy skillet meal is the flexibility it offers for personalization, turning a great recipe into your own signature dish.

Cheesy Twist and Spicy Kick

• Cheesy Twist: For an extra layer of comfort and flavor, stir in about 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend at the end of cooking, just after combining all ingredients. Stir until melted and gooey. This adds a delightful richness that cheese lovers will adore, transforming it into an even more indulgent creamy skillet pasta.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and onion, or stir in a dash of hot sauce when adding the broth. This will give your homemade pot pie a subtle but noticeable spicy warmth.
• Herb Boost: Fresh herbs can make a world of difference. Stir in a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley or thyme just before serving for a brighter, more aromatic finish.
• Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: For an even faster prep, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred it and add it to the sauce with the noodles and vegetables, cutting down cooking time significantly.

These small adjustments can make a big impact on the overall profile of your dish, ensuring it perfectly suits your preference for a truly delicious supper. Share your favorite variations with us on Instagram!

Storing Your Noodle Skillet Dish

One of the many benefits of preparing this hearty chicken pot pie skillet is its excellent potential for leftovers. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, having extra portions on hand can be a lifesaver for busy weekdays. Proper storage ensures that your delicious supper remains fresh and safe to eat, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors for days to come. Knowing how to correctly store, reheat, and even freeze your dish extends its usability and minimizes food waste.

Best Ways to Save Leftovers

Once your noodle skillet dish has cooled down to room temperature (within two hours of cooking), transfer it to airtight containers. Glass containers are excellent for both storage and reheating, but any food-safe airtight container will work. Storing it in individual portions can be particularly convenient for quick grab-and-go lunches or single-serving dinners. This method helps maintain freshness and prevents the absorption of other odors from your refrigerator. Properly stored, your leftovers will taste great for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Reheating and Freezing Notes

• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also gently warm it on the stovetop in a small pan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce seems too thick or dry. This helps restore its creamy consistency.
• Freezing: This easy skillet meal can also be frozen, though the noodles might become slightly softer upon thawing. To freeze, ensure the dish is completely cooled. Transfer it to freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of the sauce might change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Make-Ahead Pot Pie Options

For those who love the idea of a speedy weeknight dinner but want to minimize day-of cooking, this chicken pot pie skillet offers fantastic make-ahead possibilities. Prepping components in advance can significantly reduce your active cooking time, allowing you to enjoy a fresh, hot meal with even less effort. This strategy is particularly useful when you’re anticipating a busy day or want to streamline your evening routine, making it an even more reliable quick dinner recipe.

Prep the Sauce Ahead

The most time-consuming part of this easy skillet meal is often the sauce preparation. You can easily make the creamy pot pie sauce a day or two in advance. Here’s how:

1. Follow the recipe instructions for cooking the chicken and building the creamy sauce (Steps 1-3 of “Making This Chicken Pot Pie Skillet” section, omitting the noodles and vegetables for now).
2. Allow the sauce to cool completely.
3. Store the cooked chicken and creamy sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

When you’re ready to cook, simply reheat the sauce gently in your skillet. Cook the noodles separately just before assembling. Add the heated chicken and sauce, cooked noodles, and frozen vegetables to the skillet, stirring to combine and heat through. This method shaves valuable minutes off your quick prep time, ensuring a nearly instant homemade pot pie experience on demand. Consider serving this alongside our Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole for a truly comforting meal spread.

Creative Variations for Skillet

While the classic chicken pot pie skillet is a triumph on its own, its versatile nature invites numerous creative variations. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different proteins, vegetables, or even pasta types to suit your dietary needs or preferences. These simple swaps can transform the dish, offering fresh flavors and textures while retaining the comforting essence of this easy skillet meal. It’s a fantastic way to keep your meal rotation exciting and utilize ingredients you have on hand.

Turkey or Veggie Swaps

• Turkey Pot Pie Skillet: Swap the chicken for cooked turkey (leftover Thanksgiving turkey is perfect!). Dice or shred it and add it when you add the noodles. This is a brilliant way to repurpose holiday leftovers into a fresh and comforting meal.
• All-Veggie Delight: For a meatless version, omit the chicken entirely. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or even canned chickpeas for added protein and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This creates a hearty and flavorful vegetarian creamy skillet pasta.
• Seafood Skillet: For a unique twist, consider adding cooked shrimp or flaked fish (like cod or salmon) in the final stages of cooking, ensuring it just heats through.

Low-Carb Alternatives

If you’re looking to reduce carbohydrate intake, you can adapt this recipe with a few smart substitutions:

• Cauliflower “Noodles”: Instead of traditional pasta, use steamed or roasted cauliflower florets. Add them in the final step with the sauce and vegetables. They will absorb the creamy flavor beautifully.
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Sautéed zucchini noodles can also be a great pasta alternative. Add them at the very end and cook only until tender-crisp to avoid them becoming watery.
• Extra Veggies: Boost the amount of non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or green beans to make the dish more filling without adding extra carbs.

These creative variations ensure that everyone can enjoy a version of this delightful homemade pot pie, regardless of their dietary choices or flavor preferences, making it a truly adaptable family-friendly meal.

Enjoy Your Easy Noodle Skillet Meal

With all the components prepared and combined, your kitchen should be filled with the inviting aroma of this delicious chicken pot pie skillet. This dish truly embodies the spirit of home cooking – comforting, flavorful, and made with love, all without the overwhelming effort. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients and smart techniques can come together to create something truly special, making it a perfect example of a pot pie reimagined.

Perfect Weeknight Dinner

There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table for a warm, homemade meal after a long day, and this easy noodle skillet meal delivers just that. Its quick prep and cook times make it an undeniable champion for any weeknight dinner, providing a hearty and satisfying experience that caters to both adults and children. The creamy texture, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables make every spoonful a delight. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or a reliable recipe to add to your repertoire, this delicious supper is sure to impress. So go ahead, dish up a generous serving, and savor the simple pleasure of a beautifully crafted meal that fits perfectly into your busy life.