This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Chicken Pot Pie Pastina
If you’ve been around for a while, you’ll know that pastina was such a big part of my childhood in an Italian family. Those tiny little pasta shapes bring back the comfort of a home-cooked meal and the feeling of being taken care of. Even now, a warm bowl of pastina feels like a little piece of home to me.
Chicken pot pie has that same cozy feeling, doesn’t it?! Tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy filling tucked under a flaky crust. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you want to sit down, slow down, and go back for another spoonful. Combining those flavors with pastina felt like a natural fit.
This one-pan chicken pot pie pastina brings those two comforts together in a dinner I can share with my own family. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of nostalgia, with puff pastry bites on the side for scooping. A little childhood comfort, made for our busy weeknights!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil divided
- 2 tbsp butter divided
- 1 small white onion diced
- 3 medium carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1½ tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth/stock
- 1/2 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
- 1 cup dry pastina or any small pasta like orzo
- ½ cup whole milk plus more as needed
- ½ cup frozen peas
- Puff pastry bites baked, for serving
Instructions
- Bake puff pastry. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Shape puff pastry into balls. Bake puff pastry as directed on the package.
- Cook the chicken. Season the chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Once cool enough to handle, shred or break into smaller pieces, if desired, or leave in bite size pieces.
- Soften the vegetables. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Stir in the onion, carrots, celery, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 7–9 minutes, stirring often and scraping up any browned bits, until softened.
- Add the garlic and flour. Stir in the garlic and fresh thyme and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute.
- Cook the pastina. Slowly stir in the chicken broth and chicken bouillon powder. Bring to a gentle boil, then add the pastina. Reduce the heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender.
- Make it creamy. Stir in the cooked chicken, milk, and peas. Cook until warmed through, adding a splash more milk if needed for your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
- Serve. Spoon into bowls and serve with puff pastry bites. Enjoy!
Nutrition
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @thecookingmawma and let me know what you think.
It’s nostalgic, comforting and a warm hug in a bowl. I hope your family loves it as much as us!
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Add liquid gradually. Start with 3 cups of chicken stock, adding more as needed until the pastina is tender. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to thicken into a creamy, spoonable consistency.
- Loosen up leftovers. Pastina absorbs liquid as it sits. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or milk, and keep the puff pastry bites separate so they stay crisp.
- Don’t forget to stir. Tiny pasta can stick to the bottom of the pan. Stir frequently while it simmers, especially as the mixture thickens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Can I make this ahead of time?
Never Run Out of Dinner Ideas
One new family-favorite dinner in your inbox each week, made with love.
My 5 Most-Loved Pastas, yours when you join
Two nostalgic flavors come together in the ultimate weeknight dinner! I hope your family loves it as much as ours!