If you love the comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie but crave something a little different and quicker to make, this Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe is just the ticket. It captures all the goodness of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy sauce, but trades pie crust for pillowy gnocchi, creating a dish that’s cozy, satisfying, and downright addictive. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family dinner or impressing friends with an unexpected twist, this recipe brings warmth and deliciousness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, comforting texture, and that homestyle charm we all love.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the onion for a flavorful base.
- Yellow onion: Finely diced, it delivers a subtle sweetness and depth.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to just the right creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth: The heart of the sauce that brings savory goodness.
- Heavy cream: Provides luscious creaminess and smooth texture.
- Bay leaf: Infuses the dish with a gentle herbaceous note that complements the chicken.
- Dried thyme: Adds warmth and earthiness to the flavor profile.
- Celery stalks: Finely diced for crunch and a fresh vegetal bite.
- Carrots: Diced to bring sweetness and a pop of color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Chicken breast: The star protein, tender and juicy after simmering.
- Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillow-like dumplings that soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Frozen peas: For a burst of sweetness and vibrant green color.
- Lemon juice: A bright finish that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the onion
Start by melting the butter in a pot and adding the finely diced yellow onion. Cook it gently until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This step builds the foundational flavor that will carry through the entire dish, so take your time here to coax out the natural sweetness.
Step 2: Make the sauce
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly to form a roux, which thickens the sauce perfectly. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream until your sauce is silky and smooth. Then drop in the bay leaf, dried thyme, celery, carrots, and season with salt and pepper. Nestle the chicken breast into this aromatic mixture, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for 20 minutes so the chicken cooks through and the veggies soften.
Step 3: Add the gnocchi and peas
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set aside. Stir in the potato gnocchi and frozen peas directly into the bubbling sauce. Simmer gently until the gnocchi are tender and plump, soaking up all that delicious creamy goodness.
Step 4: Combine and finish
Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot. Stir everything together to combine beautifully. Finish by adding a splash of lemon juice along with any extra salt and pepper to taste. This bright touch cuts through the richness and makes the whole dish sing.
How to Serve Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme to add a fresh, herby contrast to the creamy sauce. A little cracked black pepper on top also enhances the flavor and adds visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is so hearty and filling, pair it with a light side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some steamed green beans to bring a crisp, refreshing balance. A crusty piece of bread also makes a wonderful companion to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe in individual oven-safe bowls and finish them with a golden broiled cheese topping for an irresistible gratin. Alternatively, layer the gnocchi mixture into a casserole dish topped with mashed potatoes for a hybrid comfort meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a true pleasure.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, but because gnocchi tends to get a bit softer upon thawing, it’s best to freeze the sauce and shredded chicken separately if possible. When ready to eat, thaw completely in the fridge before recombining and reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess and prevent sticking. Stir frequently until warmed through and enjoy as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time. Just shred it and stir it into the sauce at the end instead of simmering raw chicken.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken, or add hearty mushrooms or tofu as protein substitutes. The creamy sauce and veggies will still shine deliciously.
What type of gnocchi works best for this recipe?
Potato gnocchi are ideal because they soak up the sauce wonderfully while maintaining a tender texture. Fresh or store-bought both work well.
Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?
Definitely! Just be sure to use a larger pot to comfortably simmer the ingredients and cook the gnocchi evenly. Timing may increase slightly with larger amounts.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
Whole milk mixed with a bit of butter can substitute in a pinch, but the sauce will be a touch less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream works nicely with a subtle flavor shift.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe that hits the spot every single time. It’s cozy without being complicated, rich yet balanced, and perfect for sharing with loved ones on any day of the week. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite your household will ask for again and again.
Print
Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi recipe combines tender chicken breast, fluffy potato gnocchi, and a creamy vegetable-filled sauce infused with herbs. Ready in just 40 minutes, it offers all the cozy flavors of classic chicken pot pie in a simple skillet meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Proteins
- 1 pound chicken breast
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 ounce butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Lemon juice, to taste
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 1 ounce all-purpose flour
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 21 ounces potato gnocchi
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the all-purpose flour to the butter and onion mixture, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture becomes smooth without lumps. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, diced celery, diced carrots, salt, and pepper. Nestle the chicken breast into the pot, cover, and let everything simmer gently for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Gnocchi and Peas: Remove the chicken breast from the pot and set aside. Stir in the potato gnocchi and frozen peas into the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer until the gnocchi floats to the top and is cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Shred the cooked chicken breast with two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir everything well to combine. Finish by adding lemon juice, and adjusting salt and pepper to taste. Garnish if desired and serve the comforting pot pie gnocchi hot.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Using fresh gnocchi if available can improve texture but frozen works well.
- Feel free to add other herbs like parsley or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure to simmer gently to avoid breaking up the gnocchi or overcooking the chicken.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
