Facing a fridge full of leftover cooked chicken and stray vegetables? Here comes your knight in shining armor – the Chicken, Leek & Pea Pasta Bake recipe is just what the doctor ordered! This recipe is a champion at transforming leftover ingredients into a warm, comforting, and family-friendly casserole.

Chicken, leeks, and peas are a flavor trifecta waiting to happen, and this recipe brings them together beautifully. The addition of a creamy sauce and a baked cheesy topping elevates the dish even further. It’s a medium-difficulty recipe that utilizes leftover protein and vegetables, creating a satisfying meal that minimizes waste and maximizes flavor. So gather your leftover ingredients, embrace the potential of the casserole, and get ready to bake up a delicious and comforting Chicken, Leek & Pea Pasta Bake!

Difficulty: Medium

Time: 45 minutes

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Chicken, Leek & Pea Pasta Bake Recipe

hicken, Leek & Pea Pasta Bake Recipe Ingredients:

This comforting casserole transforms leftover chicken and vegetables into a delicious and family-friendly meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pasta: Choose a short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or macaroni for this casserole.
• Cooked Chicken: Leftover shredded or diced cooked chicken is the star of the show. Rotisserie chicken, poached chicken, or grilled chicken all work perfectly.
• Leeks: Leeks add a mild oniony flavor to the dish. Just be sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt.
• Frozen Peas: A bag of frozen peas adds pops of sweetness and vibrant green color.
• Chicken Broth: The base for a flavorful sauce.
• Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce. You can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or even a non-dairy alternative.
• Cheese: A combination of grated Parmesan and shredded cheddar cheese creates a cheesy and delicious topping.
• Butter: For cooking the leeks and adding richness to the sauce.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce for a creamy consistency.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds depth of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the dish.
• Fresh Herbs (Optional): Chopped parsley, thyme, or chives add a touch of freshness.
• Breadcrumbs (Optional): A panko or breadcrumb topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy casserole.

Chicken, Leek & Pea Pasta Bake Instructions:

Turning leftover chicken and vegetables into a comforting Chicken, Leek & Pea Pasta Bake is a breeze. Follow these steps for a warm and satisfying casserole:

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Leeks: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the sliced leeks for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
3. Incorporate the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce: Whisk the flour into the pan with the leeks and garlic, cooking for another minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and simmers.
5. Season It Up: Add salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Chicken and Veggie Power: Combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, frozen peas, and the prepared sauce in a large bowl. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
7. Cheese Time: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Optional Breadcrumb Topping: If using breadcrumbs, combine them with melted butter and a sprinkle of dried herbs (optional) to create a crispy topping. Scatter the breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole.
9. Bake Until Golden: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
10. Fresh Herb Garnish (Optional): While the casserole is hot, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives for an extra touch of freshness (optional).
11. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm and comforting, perfect for a weeknight meal!

Chicken, Leek & Pea Pasta Bake Serving Suggestions:

This flavorful and cheesy casserole is a complete meal in itself, but you can also elevate it with a few complementary sides:

• Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a simple vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: Who can resist? Garlicky bread adds a delightful touch to the dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus add extra color and nutrients to the meal.
• Pickles: For a touch of tang, serve alongside a plate of pickles.

This Chicken, Leek & Pea Pasta Bake is a delicious and resourceful way to use up leftover chicken and vegetables, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection!

Why Chicken, Leek & Pea Pasta Bake Is a Great Leftovers Recipe:

This Chicken, Leek & Pea Pasta Bake is a champion for leftover chicken and vegetables, transforming them into a warm, comforting, and family-friendly casserole! Here’s why it’s the perfect recipe for using up those fridge foragers:

• Leftover Chicken Gets a Second Act: Leftover cooked chicken is the star of the show! No matter what kind of leftover chicken you have, rotisserie, poached, or grilled, it gets a delicious new lease on life in this casserole.
• Embrace the Leek: Leeks add a mild oniony flavor and beautiful pops of green, but they don’t steal the spotlight. This recipe is a perfect way to use up leftover leeks before they wilt.
• Frozen Peas Add Vibrancy: A bag of frozen peas adds pops of sweetness, vibrant green color, and completes the flavor and textural profile of the dish. They’re a budget-friendly and convenient way to add vegetables.
• Creamy Broth Transformation: Leftover chicken broth is reborn into a flavorful sauce, creating a creamy base for the casserole. No need to waste broth when you can transform it into a delicious sauce!
• The Power of Cheese: Leftover cheese gets a new life as a cheesy and delicious topping for this casserole. You can use grated Parmesan or any other shredded cheese you have on hand.
• A Dish for All Tastes: This casserole is easily adaptable to different tastes. Don’t have milk? Use non-dairy alternatives. Missing an ingredient? Feel free to get creative and substitute with what you have.
• Leftovers Welcome: The beauty of this casserole is that it welcomes leftover cooked vegetables! Chopped broccoli, carrots, or even leftover cooked spinach can be incorporated for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Twice as Delicious: This casserole tastes even better the next day! Leftovers can be reheated for lunch or enjoyed cold for a satisfying and flavorful meal prep option.

With its focus on using leftover ingredients and its ability to be customized, Chicken, Leek & Pea Pasta Bake is a delicious and resourceful way to reduce food waste in the kitchen!

Take a look at more recipes to reduce food waste here.