If you are searching for a comforting and fun twist on classic comfort food, this Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine the creamy, savory filling of a chicken pot pie combined with pillowy gnocchi, creating a dish that’s both hearty and delightfully satisfying. It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors that warm the soul and impress the whole family without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Short lists can sometimes be the best lists, especially when every ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting a dish as flavorful and balanced as this. Each component here has been chosen to add depth, texture, or that signature homey aroma we all crave in a chicken pot pie-inspired meal.
- Butter (1 ounce): The base for your sautéed vegetables and adds a rich, creamy mouthfeel to the sauce.
- Yellow onion (1 small, finely diced): Brings sweetness and a mild onion flavor that gently infuses the broth.
- All-purpose flour (1 ounce): Essential for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency without clumping.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): The savory liquid backbone that blends everything together with deep flavor.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Adds luscious creaminess for that classic pot pie indulgence.
- Bay leaf (1 leaf): Provides subtle earthy fragrance, enhancing the overall aroma.
- Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): A herb that perfectly complements chicken with its slightly minty, lemony notes.
- Celery stalks (2, finely diced): Adds crunch and a fresh vegetal brightness to contrast the creamy sauce.
- Carrots (2, diced): Give a hint of sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Balances flavors and heightens every savory note.
- Chicken breast (1 pound): The hearty protein that soaks up the sauce and tenderly pulls apart for a perfect bite.
- Potato gnocchi (21 ounces): These little dumplings provide fluffy texture and soak up the delicious sauce beautifully.
- Frozen peas (1 cup): Add bursts of sweetness and a pop of green, making the dish feel fresh.
- Lemon juice (to taste): A splash of brightness that lifts and balances the creamy, rich sauce.
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Start by melting the butter in a pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté gently until translucent. This brings out the natural sweetness in the onion and creates a fragrant foundation for your sauce. Take your time here to ensure the onions soften perfectly without browning.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the pot and stir continuously to mix it evenly with the butter and onions. The flour will help thicken your sauce, so don’t skip this step. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, making sure no lumps form. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, diced celery, carrots, and season with salt and pepper. Nestle the chicken breasts into the pot, cover it with a lid, and let everything simmer gently for about 20 minutes. This slow simmer lets the flavors meld beautifully while cooking the chicken through.
Step 3: Add Gnocchi and Peas
Once the chicken is cooked, take it out and set it aside to cool slightly. Stir the potato gnocchi and frozen peas into the sauce. Continue to simmer just until the gnocchi becomes tender and plump, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. This melds the pillowy gnocchi with your flavorful sauce—a true comfort food moment.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
While the gnocchi cooks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything to combine. Finish by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, plus salt and pepper to taste. The lemon juice is a secret ingredient here that brightens the entire dish and cuts through some of the creaminess perfectly.
How to Serve Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate this dish to next-level deliciousness. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves over each serving to add a fresh, herbaceous note. A light dusting of cracked black pepper and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a nice finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish is so rich and flavorful on its own that you won’t need much in the way of sides. However, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables will complement this Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe nicely without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your gnocchi in shallow bowls topped with freshly grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots. Alternatively, make individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins and broil with a light breadcrumb topping for a golden crust that mimics traditional pot pie edges.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors may even deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even tastier. Give it a gentle stir before reheating to keep the gnocchi from sticking together.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, it freezes well. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace as the sauce may expand slightly. When frozen properly, it will maintain its quality for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much during storage. Microwave reheating also works, but warming slowly preserves the tender gnocchi best.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken can speed up the process. Just add it along with the shredded chicken step and simmer briefly to allow flavors to meld.
What type of gnocchi works best?
Store-bought potato gnocchi is perfect for this dish, but homemade gnocchi will also work wonderfully if you prefer a more personal touch.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, omit the chicken, and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or additional peas for protein and texture.
Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?
You can try half-and-half or whole milk, but be aware that the sauce will be less rich and may not thicken as much. Adding a little extra flour can help maintain some thickness.
How long does the dish take to prepare?
The entire Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe comes together in about 40 minutes, making it a great option for weeknight dinners that still feel indulgent and special.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi Recipe. It’s a clever combination of two beloved comfort foods, crafted to make every bite a cozy, satisfying experience. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish brings warmth and smiles to the table. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to make over and over again.
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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
- Diet: Halal
Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken Pot Pie Gnocchi recipe that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and pillowy gnocchi in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This stovetop dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, offering the satisfying taste of classic chicken pot pie with a twist of soft gnocchi instead of pastry crust.
Ingredients
Base and Vegetables
- 1 ounce butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Sauce
- 1 ounce all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon juice, to taste
Protein and Pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 21 ounces potato gnocchi
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, which forms a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook briefly to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, diced celery, diced carrots, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breast into the pot, cover it, and let the mixture simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Add Gnocchi and Peas: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set aside. Stir the potato gnocchi and frozen peas into the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer the mixture until the gnocchi floats to the top and is tender, usually about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Finish by adjusting the seasoning with lemon juice, additional salt, and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf, garnish if desired, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast with cooked rotisserie chicken for faster preparation.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes longer before adding gnocchi.
- Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried for more herbal brightness.
- Lemon juice enhances the flavors but can be omitted if preferred.
- Ensure gnocchi is cooked just until tender to avoid mushiness.
