If you are seeking a cozy, comforting dinner that puts a fun twist on a classic favorite, this Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the creamy, savory flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie combined with the pillowy texture of tender gnocchi, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Each bite bursts with hearty vegetables, succulent chicken, and a luscious sauce that’s simply irresistible, making this recipe perfect for family dinners or when you want to savor something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that work together effortlessly to create layers of flavor and texture. Every component, from the fresh veggies to the rich cream, plays a vital role in making this dish both satisfying and memorable.
- Butter (1 ounce): Adds richness and is the perfect base for sautéing the onion to develop deep flavor.
- Yellow onion, finely diced (1 small): Provides sweetness and aromatic depth to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (1 ounce): Helps thicken the sauce for that classic pot pie creaminess.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Offers a savory foundation that enhances the chicken and vegetable flavors.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Gives a smooth, velvety finish to the sauce, balancing the herbs and spices.
- Bay leaf (1): Infuses subtle earthiness during simmering, bringing comfort to every bite.
- Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Adds a fragrant, slightly minty herbaceous note.
- Celery stalks, finely diced (2): Contribute crunch and fresh vegetal flavor reminiscent of classic pot pie.
- Carrots, diced (2): Brighten the dish with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Chicken breast (1 pound): The heart of the dish, providing tender, juicy protein.
- Potato gnocchi (21 ounces): The star substitute for pie crust, these soft dumplings soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): Add pops of sweetness and a lovely green hue.
- Lemon juice, to taste: A bright finishing note that lifts all the flavors.
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onion
Start by melting the butter in a pot over medium heat, then add the finely diced yellow onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and soft, releasing its natural sweetness that sets the foundation for a rich, flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir well to form a roux, which thickens the sauce. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream to create a smooth, creamy base. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, celery, carrots, salt, and pepper. Nestle the chicken breast into the pot, cover it, and let everything simmer gently for 20 minutes so the chicken cooks through and the vegetables soften perfectly.
Step 3: Add Gnocchi and Peas
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside. Stir in the potato gnocchi and frozen peas into the simmering sauce. Continue cooking until the gnocchi float to the surface and are tender, allowing them to absorb the delicious flavors around them.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot, stirring everything together to unify the dish. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice along with salt and pepper to taste. The lemon adds a subtle brightness that complements the creamy sauce. Serve this warming chicken pot pie gnocchi hot, and enjoy every comforting bite!
How to Serve Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this cozy dish, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma. A little grated Parmesan can also add a touch of nutty richness that pairs amazingly well with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a crisp green salad or steamed green beans dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil make wonderful, refreshing sides. If you want to keep the comforting vibe, buttery dinner rolls are a fantastic choice for sopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve your Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a light sprinkle of breadcrumbs and baked briefly under the broiler to create a golden crust. Alternatively, add roasted nuts or a drizzle of herb-infused oil just before serving for an unexpected textural delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce and tender chicken gnocchi will stay delicious for up to three days, making it easy to savor again without much fuss.
Freezing
This Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe isn’t the ideal candidate for freezing due to the cream and delicate gnocchi, which can change texture when thawed. For best results, stick to fresh preparation or refrigerate leftovers instead.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and prevent the gnocchi from sticking. A splash of chicken broth or cream can help refresh the sauce and maintain that luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken can save time. Just add it in when you stir in the gnocchi and peas, warming it through while the gnocchi cook.
Is it possible to substitute another herb for thyme?
Yes, sage or rosemary works beautifully in this recipe, offering complementary earthy flavors typical of classic chicken pot pie dishes.
Could I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can, by replacing the chicken with hearty mushrooms or plant-based protein, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain savory depth.
How do I know when the gnocchi is done?
The gnocchi are perfectly cooked when they float to the surface of the simmering sauce and have a tender texture when bitten.
Can I prepare this Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prep the sautéed vegetables and sauce base ahead of time, then finish by cooking the chicken and gnocchi just before serving for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe is truly a comforting, delicious way to bring joy to your dinner table. It combines the best of cozy home-cooked flavors with a unique twist that feels fresh and exciting. I encourage you to try it soon—it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones and makes every meal feel like a celebration of good food and warmth.
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 Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi recipe is a comforting, creamy dish that combines tender chicken breast, fluffy potato gnocchi, and classic pot pie vegetables in a rich, savory sauce. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that delivers all the flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie with the comforting twist of pillowy gnocchi.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ounce butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 ounce all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 21 ounces potato gnocchi
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Lemon juice, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, releasing its natural sweetness.
- Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and stir well to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream to create a smooth sauce. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, finely diced celery, diced carrots, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Simmer Chicken: Place the whole chicken breasts into the pot, cover with a lid, and let simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through while the flavors meld.
- Add Gnocchi and Peas: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and set aside. Stir the potato gnocchi and frozen peas into the simmering sauce. Cook until the gnocchi is tender and cooked through, usually about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Shred the cooked chicken breasts using two forks and return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir well to combine everything. Finish the dish by adding a splash of lemon juice and adjusting salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality store-bought potato gnocchi for best texture.
- Make sure to simmer gently to prevent the cream from curdling.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Shredding the chicken before returning it to the pot helps it absorb the sauce’s flavor better.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste to add brightness to the dish.
