Chicken Pot Pie Casserole

 This is a great recipe to use up leftover chicken in.

CHICKEN POT PIE CASSEROLE

(severed 8)

Casserole Ingredients:

*1/2 cup butter

*4 medium carrots, chopped small

*4 celery stalks, chopped small

*1 medium yellow onion, chopped small

*2 garlic cloves, minced

*1/4 cup all-purpose flour

*1 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper 

*1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

*1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

*1/4 teaspoon dried sage, rubbed between fingers

*1 teaspoon dried parley flakes

*6 cups chicken stock

*1 tablespoon chicken bullion paste

*1/2 cup heavy cream

*3 cups cooked, shredded chicken

*1 cup frozen corn

*1 cup frozen peas

Topping Ingredients:

*1/2 cup butter, melted

*25 ritz crackers, crushed

*1 pound rotini, elbow, small shells, or bow tie pasta, cooked al dente 

Casserole Directions:

~In a stock pot or dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat.

~Add in 4 chopped carrots, 4 chopped celery stalks, and 1 medium chopped yellow onion.

~Cook until veggies soften up (about 6-8 minutes).

~Add in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30-40 seconds, stirring continuously.

~Stir in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon dried sage (rubbed between fingers), 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes.

~Slowly add 6 cups chicken stock, stirring between each addition. 

~Bring mixture up to a low boil, stirring occasionally.

~Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon chicken bullion paste, 3 cup shredded chicken, 1 cup frozen peas and 1 cup frozen corn, and 1 pound cooked pasta, cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often.

~Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch pan.

Topping Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~In a small bowl, mixed 1/4 cup melted butter and 25 crushed ritz crackers together until well incorporated.

~Sprinkle topping evenly over top of casserole.

~Bake for 45-50 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and topping starts to brown.

~Remove from oven and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.