Chicken And Vegetable Penne Pie Recipe

Quick & Cozy Chicken and Vegetable Penne Pie Recipe

Chicken and vegetable penne pie combines hearty comfort with nutritious ingredients in a delightful culinary creation.

Pasta lovers will adore this innovative dish that reimagines traditional pie concepts into something extraordinary.

Creamy textures and robust flavors meld together, creating a satisfying meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Vibrant vegetables add color and nutrition, while tender chicken provides substantial protein throughout each delectable bite.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe by following straightforward preparation techniques that guarantee impressive results.

Layers of pasta, meat, and vegetables intermingle to produce a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.

Families and friends will eagerly gather around the table, anticipating this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

What’s to Love About Chicken and Vegetable Penne Pie

  • Comforting One-Pan Meal: This chicken and vegetable penne pie delivers a warm, hearty dinner that combines pasta, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables in a creamy sauce, all topped with a flaky golden puff pastry crust.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Preparation takes less than an hour, making it perfect for busy families who want a delicious, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The simple cooking method and minimal ingredients ensure stress-free cooking.
  • Versatile Vegetable Powerhouse: Packed with nutritious carrots, peas, onions, and celery, this dish sneaks in multiple vegetables that add flavor, texture, and essential nutrients to your dinner. You can easily swap or add different vegetables based on what's in your fridge.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: The combination of creamy sauce, al dente pasta, and crispy puff pastry creates a delightful texture contrast that appeals to both kids and adults. Its classic flavor profile makes it a guaranteed hit at family dinners or potluck gatherings.

Chicken and Vegetable Penne Pie Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that gives the pie hearty substance and rich flavor, preferably boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
  • Eggs: Helps create a golden, shiny crust on the puff pastry with its beaten form.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic mirepoix combination that forms a flavor base with subtle sweetness and depth.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic flavor and enhances overall dish complexity.
  • Peas: Sweet, tender vegetable that provides color and gentle texture contrast.
  • Thyme: Classic herb that brings earthy, subtle flavor to complement chicken and vegetables.
Baking and Binding Ingredients:
  • Puff Pastry: Flaky, buttery top crust that creates a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté vegetables.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a silky sauce.
  • Milk: Contributes to creamy sauce texture and helps bind ingredients.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance overall dish flavor.

Directions for Chicken and Vegetable Penne Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil penne pasta according to package directions until it’s perfectly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetable Base

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add:
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Cook the vegetables until they soften, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Add Aromatic Garlic

Toss in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until the kitchen fills with a delicious fragrance.

Step 5: Create a Flavor-Packed Roux

Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and mix thoroughly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 6: Build the Creamy Sauce

Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, creating a smooth mixture. Simmer and stir until the sauce thickens nicely.

Step 7: Combine Protein and Seasonings

Stir in:
  • Cooked chicken
  • Peas
  • Thyme
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Cook for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 8: Mix Pasta with Sauce

Add the cooked penne to the skillet, ensuring every piece gets coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 9: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 10: Top with Puff Pastry

Roll out the puff pastry sheet to cover the entire dish. Gently place it on top of the mixture.

Step 11: Prepare for Baking

Brush the puff pastry with beaten egg to create a gorgeous golden finish.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden-brown pastry and bubbling filling.

Step 13: Rest and Serve

Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.

Tips for Success with Chicken and Vegetable Penne Pie

  • Master Pasta Coating: Ensure every penne noodle gets completely covered in the creamy sauce for maximum flavor in each bite.
  • Vegetable Prep Perfection: Dice carrots, onions, and celery into uniform small pieces to guarantee even cooking and balanced texture.
  • Thickening Sauce Technique: Cook flour mixture thoroughly before adding liquids to prevent a raw, floury taste and create a smooth, rich sauce.
  • Pastry Golden Trick: Brush egg wash generously and evenly across puff pastry to achieve a gorgeous, shiny, deep golden-brown crust.
  • Temperature Balance: Allow pie to rest 5-10 minutes after baking so filling sets and becomes less runny, making serving easier and preventing burns.

Storing and Reheating Chicken and Vegetable Penne Pie

  • Refrigerate leftover chicken and vegetable penne pie in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Prevent moisture by covering the dish with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid. Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent the puff pastry from burning. For quicker reheating, use the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Discard any leftovers that smell off or show signs of spoilage.

Chicken and Vegetable Penne Pie Pairings

  • Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: The buttery sauce and creamy texture of the chicken pie marry perfectly with a medium-bodied white wine that has subtle oak undertones, cutting through the richness while complementing the dish's delicate flavors.
  • Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: A light, tangy salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty, warm pie, balancing the meal's overall richness.
  • Match with Herb-Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus spears seasoned with similar herbs like thyme will echo the pie's flavor profile, adding a green vegetable side that enhances the main dish's earthy notes.
  • Complement with Sparkling Apple Cider: A slightly sweet, effervescent non-alcoholic beverage brings a bright, crisp element that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the creamy chicken and vegetable pie.

Chicken and Vegetable Penne Pie Recipe Variations

  • Mediterranean Fusion Pie: Replace chicken with lamb, add feta cheese, and incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Seafood Sensation: Swap chicken for a mix of shrimp and white fish, use light cream instead of milk, and add a splash of white wine for depth.
  • Vegetarian Garden Pie: Substitute chicken with a blend of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, using vegetable broth for extra flavor.
  • Spicy Southwest Pie: Add jalapeños, corn, black beans, and swap thyme for cumin and chili powder to create a zesty Tex-Mex inspired dish.
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Chicken And Vegetable Penne Pie Recipe

Chicken And Vegetable Penne Pie Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Penne Pie delivers comfort on a plate with Mediterranean-inspired layers of pasta, tender chicken, and roasted vegetables. Rich creamy sauce and golden pastry create a perfect marriage of flavors you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Pasta, Dairy, and Dry Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or butter.
  2. Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onions, carrots, and celery until they become tender and slightly translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic to the vegetable mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, releasing its aromatic essence.
  5. Dust the softened vegetables with all-purpose flour, stirring continuously to create a light, even coating. Toast the flour for 1-2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste.
  6. Slowly incorporate chicken broth and whole milk into the vegetable mixture, whisking steadily to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Simmer and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Fold in cooked chicken pieces, frozen green peas, fresh thyme leaves, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Allow the mixture to heat through for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Gently combine the cooked penne pasta with the creamy chicken and vegetable sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
  9. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  10. Roll out the puff pastry sheet to perfectly cover the baking dish, draping it smoothly over the filling.
  11. Brush the puff pastry surface with beaten egg to achieve a rich, golden-brown finish when baked.
  12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry turns a beautiful golden color and the filling becomes bubbly and heated through.
  13. Remove from the oven and allow the pie to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving, which helps the filling set and makes portioning easier.

Notes

  • Versatile one-pot meal that transforms classic chicken pot pie into a pasta-loaded comfort dish perfect for family dinners.
  • Customize vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference, making this recipe adaptable to your kitchen.
  • Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness when baked with creamy sauce and vegetables.
  • Whisk sauce ingredients gradually to prevent lumps and achieve smooth, creamy consistency that coats pasta perfectly.
  • Puff pastry creates a crispy, golden-brown topping that adds delightful texture contrast to the creamy chicken filling.
  • Prep tip: Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve, making meal planning easier.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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